Sanfrecce still have shot at defending J League title

The 2013 J League Championship comes down to the final day of season, and defending champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima are still in with a chance.

 

They will have to rely on luck as well as skill repeat last year’s victory which had the whole city seeing purple.

Here is how things stand right now at the top of the table.

Postition	Team	Matches Played	Goal Difference	Points
1	Yokohama F Marinos	33	+19	62
2	Sanfrecce Hiroshima	33	+20	60
3	Kashima Antlers	33	+10	59

Yokohama missed a chance to wrap up the championship last weekend, when they lost 2-0 at home to Albirex Niigata. Hiroshima’s 1-0 victory over Shonan Bellmare preserved their chance of coming out on top, if they beat third-place Kashima Antlers away tomorrow. Even if they win, however, Sanfrecce still need Kawasaki Frontale (currently fifth in the table) to overcome Yokohama, or at least hold them to a draw. Even if a win for Sanfrecce won’t guarantee the title, it would secure them a place in the Asian Champions League next spring.

To add to the excitement all kick-offs are at the same time tomorrow. You can join other local nail-biters at the public screening of the Sanfrecce vs Kashima match at the site of the old baseball stadium. Kick off is at 15:30.