J.League Cup Quarterfinals: Kofu Favors Their Chances, Hiroshima’s Defense Looks Unbreakable

The second leg of the J.League Cup quarterfinals took place on the afternoon of September 8, with two decisive matches that highlighted the contrasting fates of the teams involved. Ventforet Kofu, the only non-top-tier team in the last eight, faced Kawasaki Frontale in what promises to be another thrilling encounter. While they trail by a single goal from the first leg, Kofu created plenty of scoring chances and will fancy their chances of finding the net again. In the other fixture, Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s defense has been suffocating for opponents in the J.League this season. Although they only lead Nagoya Grampus by one goal, it feels like an unassailable advantage due to Hiroshima’s nearly impenetrable backline.

Ventforet Kofu vs. Kawasaki Frontale – Calmness in Front of Goal Is Key

Ventforet Kofu, a J2 League team, won the Emperor’s Cup last season, earning them a place in the AFC Champions League. Their success has continued this year, as they advanced to the J.League Cup quarterfinals as the only team from outside the top division. Kofu also surprised many by topping their Champions League group, ahead of Melbourne City from Australia, further evidence of the strength of Japanese football on the continental stage.

In contrast, Kawasaki Frontale has struggled in the J.League this season, sitting precariously in 14th place and still facing the threat of relegation. Despite their low position, Kawasaki has a positive goal difference, an unusual statistic that speaks to their offensive capabilities but also raises questions about their defensive solidity. With their Emperor’s Cup run already over, the League Cup represents Kawasaki’s only realistic shot at silverware this season.

The first leg between these two teams was closely contested, with Kawasaki showing greater composure in front of goal to secure a 1-0 victory. That winning goal came in the 27th minute when Frontale worked the ball into the Kofu penalty area, setting up a clear scoring opportunity. Instead of rushing the shot, Kawasaki’s players calmly passed the ball to the best-positioned player, Daiya Tono. He struck a bouncing shot with his left foot, which ricocheted off the turf and flew into the net over the head of a retreating defender.

On the other side, Kofu had their chances to level the match, but a lack of precision in front of goal let them down. Substitute striker Peter Utaka missed an opportunity to score into an open net from a tight angle. Rather than passing to a teammate who had made a run into the middle of the box, Utaka chose to take the shot himself, possibly due to overconfidence or a lack of vision. There was also an unfortunate moment for Kofu when one of their efforts struck the crossbar.

Kawasaki’s defense, however, appeared vulnerable at times, with the most glaring error being a blind back pass that gave Utaka a one-on-one chance, which he failed to convert. Despite their narrow lead, Kawasaki’s defensive lapses leave them exposed, giving Kofu a realistic chance to overturn the deficit in the second leg. Back on home turf, Kofu will undoubtedly feel they can replicate their first-leg performance and convert more of their scoring opportunities.

However, Kawasaki’s experience in knockout competitions could prove decisive, especially if the match goes to extra time. Their composure under pressure could be the deciding factor in what looks to be another tight contest.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs. Nagoya Grampus – Defense the Key to Victory

Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been one of the dominant forces in Japanese football this season, not only leading the J.League but also advancing deep into both domestic cup competitions. Their sights are firmly set on completing a domestic treble, and with the League Cup and Emperor’s Cup still up for grabs, they are well on their way.

Nagoya Grampus, on the other hand, has had a more modest season. Having secured their top-flight status for another year, their focus now shifts to the League Cup, their last remaining chance at winning a trophy. The first leg against Hiroshima saw Grampus show plenty of ambition, as they came out with an attacking mindset from the opening whistle. However, their eagerness to score often led to rushed shots whenever they neared the penalty area. As a result, their attempts lacked power, and Hiroshima’s goalkeeper was able to deal with them comfortably.

Luck was also not on Nagoya’s side in the first half. In the final minute of normal time, they thought they had a clear-cut chance to score, only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside. Replays later showed that both players involved in the attack, Junker and Yuki Yamamoto, were onside, making the call all the more frustrating for Grampus.

In the second half, Nagoya managed to find the back of the net again, but this time the offside decision was correct. After surviving Nagoya’s pressure, Hiroshima began to push forward more aggressively. In the 57th minute, the breakthrough came in typical Hiroshima fashion. A simple cross from the wing found German forward Arslan in the box, and with Nagoya’s defense caught off guard, he had an easy tap-in to score the game’s only goal. The Nagoya defenders, assuming no attacking player was in the box, made the crucial mistake of letting the ball roll past them.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s defense has been the cornerstone of their success this season, with a level of defensive discipline that has suffocated J.League opponents. In knockout competitions, they consistently field their strongest lineup, and their solid backline has proved impenetrable on many occasions. Given Nagoya’s struggles to break down the Hiroshima defense in the first leg, it’s hard to imagine them overturning the deficit in the second. Hiroshima’s defensive strength, coupled with their ability to score when it matters, makes them overwhelming favorites to advance.

Nagoya’s best chance of finding a way through Hiroshima’s defense may come through set-pieces or counter-attacks. However, the clinical nature of Hiroshima’s play, combined with their experience in closing out narrow leads, gives them a commanding advantage going into the second leg. Even with only a one-goal lead, Hiroshima’s defense looks poised to carry them into the semifinals, with Nagoya likely struggling to create meaningful opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The quarterfinals of the J.League Cup have offered plenty of drama, and the second legs promise more of the same. Ventforet Kofu will be hoping to capitalize on Kawasaki Frontale’s defensive frailties, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima will look to maintain their vice-like grip on Nagoya Grampus. Whether through coolness in front of goal or a near-flawless defensive performance, both Kofu and Hiroshima will look to deliver their best in the decisive matches ahead.