June 30, 2003
New Features at the Rising Sun

The Rising Sun News has added two new sections to our site -- a J.League "Hall of Fame" and a link to a message board where visitors can discuss the J.League, Asian football, or any other football-related topic that they choose. The J.League Hall of Fame is a new section that we have added in order to pauy tribute to some of your favourite players from yesteryear. The Hall of Fame has just been launched, so only a few names have been added. However, we will be expanding this section regularly so check back for updates as we add more players to the Hall of Fame.

The new Message Board feature is being provided as a courtesy by the Rising Sun News's host, ATL World Soccer News. This message board may be used to post messages or inquiries about any football-related topic. If you have questions or comments about the J.League or Japan national team, please post a note and I will try to respond as soon as possible. However, if you simply want to discuss football in general, or one of the other leagues in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, or anywhere else, please feel free to do so. There are a number of regular board members from around the world who are quite knowledgeable about football and enjoy a good discussion. However, please note that this is an un-moderated board, and we do not take responsibility for the occasional flamers and trolls who show up from time to time.

The Rising Sun News hopes that these new features will increase your enjoyment of our web site. If you appreciate the information we are providing, please do our web host a favour and click one of the banner ads at the top of the message board page before you leave. This will earn him a few pence in revenues and hopefully allow us to remain in operation. We hope you enjoy these new features.

Nabisco Cup Results

Gamba Osaka and Jubilo Iwata became the first two teams to clinch a spot in the Nabisco Cup quarterfinal round, with victories over Vissel Kobe and JEF United, respectively, on Wednesday night. Jubilo are assured of going through as one of the teams from pool A, but Kobe could still catch them to finish top of the group. Tokyo Verdy and Urawa Reds both are still in contention, depending on the results of the final group match on July 16. Gamba, meanwhile, are certain of finishing top of pool C, even if they lose their final group match to JEF.

Elsewhere, Yokohama Marinos defeated Kashiwa Reysol to go top of pool B, but three teams are still in contention so the two quarterfinalists will be decided in the July 16 contests. Finally, Nagoya Grampus eliminated Oita Trinita with a 1-1 draw, but this leaves them level with Kyoto Purple Sanga in pool D, with five points apiece. The final pool match, between Kyoto and Nagoya, will be for all the marbles.

Here are the results of Wednesday's matches, and the current pool standings: