In a J. League match, where two teams are fighting tooth and nail for a single goal and a single point, the one-on-one battles for the ball, known as “duels,” can be extremely intense.

The fiercest battles are often between players who mark each other, such as centre-backs and centre-forwards, full-backs and wingers, and opposing midfielders. Players are free to move around the pitch, but because they are assigned to a position, there are inevitably opponents who clash more often than others.

However, it would be inaccurate to call them “enemies.” The players are simply doing their jobs, using their skills and intelligence to help their respective teams win. And if you look closely, there are many instances throughout the game where they show mutual respect for each other.

There was a noteworthy scene during the J. League match between Kawasaki Frontale and Sagan Tosu on 13 September. After Kawasaki scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, WAKIZAKA Yasuto appeared to have scored the second goal in the 33rd minute. However, the goal was disallowed after VAR determined it offside, and the game approached halftime with the home side leading 1-0.

After receiving a pass, Tosu's NISHIYA Kento evaded Wakizaka's challenge and carried the ball forward. Wakizaka immediately chased after Nishiya and tried to stop him. Since the start of the match, these two players had often clashed because of their positions as an attacking midfielder (Wakizaka) and a holding midfielder (Nishiya).

In an effort to protect the ball from Wakizaka, Nishiya utilised his preferred left foot to maintain possession, exchanging short passes with his teammates before sending the ball forward. However, his right foot, which he had put out to protect the ball, inadvertently stepped on the left ankle of Wakizaka, who was making a tackle.

Wakizaka went down, visibly in pain. Tosu continued their attack, but Nishiya approached Wakizaka and patted him on the back to see if he was all right. The play eventually stopped and referee NAGAMINE Koki ran over to check on Wakizaka.

While Wakizaka was being checked by the referee, Nishiya ran to Kawasaki’s technical area and drank from a bottle of water there. Kawasaki head coach ONIKI Toru, who was looking at Wakizaka with concern, did not express any displeasure towards Nishiya.

Players are allowed to drink water from any bottle around the pitch, regardless of who provides it. This is a very common practice in the J. League and I think it's a very prefrable thing.

Nishiya then walked back over to Wakizaka, patted him on the back and handed him the bottle of water. Wakizaka, finally back on his feet, took a sip from the bottle, then washed the grass from his hands before taking another sip. He threw the empty bottle to a Kawasaki staff and resumed playing.

During this time, no exaggerated gestures were made by Wakizaka, Nishiya or Oniki. The scene, which lasted about a minute or two, passed very casually. However, I felt that I had witnessed a truly pleasant moment that embodied the spirit of respect.

Nishiya is a 24-year-old from Kobe City. He went from Osaka Toin High School to Meiji University but was unable to turn professional by the time he graduated, so he joined FC Osaka, who were playing in the JFL at the time. In his second year, FC Osaka were promoted to the J3 and, in recognition of his contribution there, he was sent on loan to J2 side Fujieda MYFC, in August 2023, where he finally got a professional contract. He joined J1 club Sagan Tosu in July 2024, and this match against Kawasaki Frontale was his second start in the J. League since joining the club. He played the full 90 minutes for the first time and supported the team with some excellent plays in midfield.

In the second half, Tosu equalised in the 50th minute before Kawasaki regained the lead in the 61st minute. Despite Tosu equalising again from the penalty spot in the first minute of additional time, Kawasaki scored the winning goal in the 10th minute of additional time to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

It was a spectacular game that ended with a dramatic goal, but it was also a game that featured a beautiful scene between Nishiya and Wakizaka, even if it didn't make the highlights. Why not try to find such scenes of respect in the J. League matches yourself?

Written by OSUMI Yoshiyuki (Football Journalist)

*This article was originally posted on the Japan Football Association Newsletter, “JFAnews,” October 2024 edition.

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