Bonjour et Ohayōgozaimasu Kirishima. Welcome ladies and gentleman back to another edition of the Kitsune Report, brought to you by the Nagatomo Sports Network (NSN) and sponsored by Air Pacifica, and Pocari Surge. Here at the Kitsune Report it's all about Kirishinan sports however there comes a time when international football becomes the main focus. That's right World Cup qualifiers are upon us, a major tournament in its own right, where 100+ teams try and fill in a measly 30 spots whether it be by instant qualification or a playoff spot. Without any further delay let's get grooving to some world cup football yet again!
The Kitsunes will seek to avoid what happened in World Cup 75 as the last World Cup qualification was a disaster. In hindsight, if we have won the games we were supposed to win, a playoff spot at the very least, would've been easily obtained. Who could've forgotten the matchday five and twelve draws with Nordeana, or the matchday ten 4-4, draw with Shytysle or that trash of a match with Anglatia on matchday 14? The Kitsunes managed five wins, 2 losses, and five draws often times against teams out of form. A performance so atrocious that Hikaru Kyosuke, bless his soul, resigned in shame. Now I think the direction that the Kitsunes went in may be flawed. Yes being more offensive minded resulted in fewer wins against higher ranked teams while slowing the team down a bit have contributed to wins against the likes of Cosumar and Quebec. However since we are going to be defensive minded, we should commit more towards offense and attempt to overpower defensive minded teams. Seong Mi-Soo seems to have her mind made up as the Cup of Harmony wasn't too bad, question is, does she have the ability to adapt like Kyosuke once had.
With that said the Seong-era has faced it's first major hurdle during the group draw for qualifiers. It ended pleasantly but with the way things began, it makes you think only a playoff spot is possible. While I was watching the draw with some friends, we were hoping to be drawn in whatever group had favorable pot one teams. Teams such as Cosumar, West Saintland, Vilita, Brenecia, Semarland, Krytenia, Turori, Chromatika, and Gregoryisgodistan would be competitive in my opinion. However, there was a melancholic groan at the restaurant when we were drawn into Group 15 with Quebec. A team that seems set to bludgeon anyone unfortunate enough to be in the presence of such an offensive behemoth. Pot 3 and 4 provided Kirisaki and Tumbra, which while are low-end in their respected group pots, are known for their good form. Pot 5 sees a high-end Tomikosan which finished 3rd in the Baptism of Fire. With all of their BOF games played in Kirishima, I hope we are prepared to not draw with them.Hydraic Empire and Kalumba rounds out the group. While it's no group of death, the fact that such a strong team is in the Group makes a situation similar to last World Cup qualifiers. Qualifiers where we seemingly are competing with everyone for the second spot. Nevertheless, let's take a look at the schedule.
The first thing that stands out about this schedule is the final matchday ending in a bye. What this means is that the Kitsunes should have their destiny decided before then as depending on the results of other matches are always inadvisable. The next thing that stands out is that Kirishima and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec do not meet until before the breaks, Matchday 6 and 13. What this means is the standing of the Group will depend on whoever slips first or who wins their head to head matchups. If you're the Kitsunes the team to watch out for is Kirisaki which despite being known for its lack of form, can get hot at any time. Quebec will be the real test and at least a draw in a match or two would be great. Kirishima will definitely seek to avoid consecutive Cup of Harmony appearances which will mean seeking a strong second finish. The Kitsunes at the very least need to position themselves to face the weakest opponent possible in the Group stages so focus will be key.
Pre-Qualification Friendly Review:
Kirishima managed to go 2-2 in their pre-cup friendlies. The Kitsunes defeated their matchday 1 opponent Tumbra and rivals Devonta. The problem was how they faced against better teams such as Unified Sunrise Islands and San José Guayabal. I feel that those two defeats indicate that Seong Mi-Soo's strategy for this cup is flawed. The Kitsunes will never be a defensive team nor do they have the ability to be a defensive focused team. Yes, the back four and goalkeeper can get things done but Koharu Miyamoto in LB who loves to run up to midfield and sometimes beyond, two decent center backs with chemistry and an eternally doomed and weak RB position. Holding back an offense is not defensive it is simply entering tactical purgatory. While it leaves less room for counter attacks, it keeps games close and dangerous for the weaker teams to strike. I think the Kitsunes should bite the bullet and commit to stronger offense, let Yabuta run loose, give more opportunities to Matsuoka, Ichikawa, Mizoguchi, and Izumi. We need less set pieces and more flow. To be fair the last time we used a similar strategy we were minnows that let themselves be at the counter attack mercy of bigger teams. With that said Seong Mi-Soo is smart and perhaps she is testing the waters still with her Kyosuke inspired defensive focus. One thing is for sure Mid-Qualification will be a crossroad in terms of the direction Seong Mi-Soo wants to take.
Post by: Keita Woo
The Kitsunes will seek to avoid what happened in World Cup 75 as the last World Cup qualification was a disaster. In hindsight, if we have won the games we were supposed to win, a playoff spot at the very least, would've been easily obtained. Who could've forgotten the matchday five and twelve draws with Nordeana, or the matchday ten 4-4, draw with Shytysle or that trash of a match with Anglatia on matchday 14? The Kitsunes managed five wins, 2 losses, and five draws often times against teams out of form. A performance so atrocious that Hikaru Kyosuke, bless his soul, resigned in shame. Now I think the direction that the Kitsunes went in may be flawed. Yes being more offensive minded resulted in fewer wins against higher ranked teams while slowing the team down a bit have contributed to wins against the likes of Cosumar and Quebec. However since we are going to be defensive minded, we should commit more towards offense and attempt to overpower defensive minded teams. Seong Mi-Soo seems to have her mind made up as the Cup of Harmony wasn't too bad, question is, does she have the ability to adapt like Kyosuke once had.
With that said the Seong-era has faced it's first major hurdle during the group draw for qualifiers. It ended pleasantly but with the way things began, it makes you think only a playoff spot is possible. While I was watching the draw with some friends, we were hoping to be drawn in whatever group had favorable pot one teams. Teams such as Cosumar, West Saintland, Vilita, Brenecia, Semarland, Krytenia, Turori, Chromatika, and Gregoryisgodistan would be competitive in my opinion. However, there was a melancholic groan at the restaurant when we were drawn into Group 15 with Quebec. A team that seems set to bludgeon anyone unfortunate enough to be in the presence of such an offensive behemoth. Pot 3 and 4 provided Kirisaki and Tumbra, which while are low-end in their respected group pots, are known for their good form. Pot 5 sees a high-end Tomikosan which finished 3rd in the Baptism of Fire. With all of their BOF games played in Kirishima, I hope we are prepared to not draw with them.Hydraic Empire and Kalumba rounds out the group. While it's no group of death, the fact that such a strong team is in the Group makes a situation similar to last World Cup qualifiers. Qualifiers where we seemingly are competing with everyone for the second spot. Nevertheless, let's take a look at the schedule.
MATCHDAY TEAM VENUE
1 v Tumbra Ostianae Magnaem Centre|Heiwa
2 @ Hydraic Empire TBD
3 v Kalumba Dreamscape Arena|Kairaku
4 @ Kirisaki TBD
5 v Tomikosan Aincrad Stadium|Akihabara
6 @ Quebec TBD
7 BYE
-MIDQUALIFICATION BREAK-
8 @Tumbra TBD
9 v Hydraic Empire Dayangseong Stadium|Imgeum
10 @ Kalumba TBD
11 v Kirisaki Aincrad Stadium|Akihabara
12 @ Tomikosan Muse Ground|Melchester
13 v Quebec Dreamscape Arena|Kairaku
14 BYE
The first thing that stands out about this schedule is the final matchday ending in a bye. What this means is that the Kitsunes should have their destiny decided before then as depending on the results of other matches are always inadvisable. The next thing that stands out is that Kirishima and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec do not meet until before the breaks, Matchday 6 and 13. What this means is the standing of the Group will depend on whoever slips first or who wins their head to head matchups. If you're the Kitsunes the team to watch out for is Kirisaki which despite being known for its lack of form, can get hot at any time. Quebec will be the real test and at least a draw in a match or two would be great. Kirishima will definitely seek to avoid consecutive Cup of Harmony appearances which will mean seeking a strong second finish. The Kitsunes at the very least need to position themselves to face the weakest opponent possible in the Group stages so focus will be key.
Pre-Qualification Friendly Review:
Kirishima managed to go 2-2 in their pre-cup friendlies. The Kitsunes defeated their matchday 1 opponent Tumbra and rivals Devonta. The problem was how they faced against better teams such as Unified Sunrise Islands and San José Guayabal. I feel that those two defeats indicate that Seong Mi-Soo's strategy for this cup is flawed. The Kitsunes will never be a defensive team nor do they have the ability to be a defensive focused team. Yes, the back four and goalkeeper can get things done but Koharu Miyamoto in LB who loves to run up to midfield and sometimes beyond, two decent center backs with chemistry and an eternally doomed and weak RB position. Holding back an offense is not defensive it is simply entering tactical purgatory. While it leaves less room for counter attacks, it keeps games close and dangerous for the weaker teams to strike. I think the Kitsunes should bite the bullet and commit to stronger offense, let Yabuta run loose, give more opportunities to Matsuoka, Ichikawa, Mizoguchi, and Izumi. We need less set pieces and more flow. To be fair the last time we used a similar strategy we were minnows that let themselves be at the counter attack mercy of bigger teams. With that said Seong Mi-Soo is smart and perhaps she is testing the waters still with her Kyosuke inspired defensive focus. One thing is for sure Mid-Qualification will be a crossroad in terms of the direction Seong Mi-Soo wants to take.
Post by: Keita Woo
79' (Ricky Bertens)
