Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2008 Season Review
The 2008 season was a landmark campaign for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, characterized by a dominant domestic league performance and deep runs in Japan's most prestigious cup competitions. Competing in the J. League 2, the club focused on securing a return to the top flight while simultaneously challenging for silverware.
J. League 2 Dominance and Promotion
Sanfrecce Hiroshima delivered a commanding performance in the J. League 2, finishing the season as champions. Over the course of 42 matches, the team displayed remarkable consistency and offensive power, securing promotion to the 2009 J. League Division 1.
The team finished at the top of the table with 100 points, boasting a goal difference of +64. Their success was built on a potent attack that scored 99 goals, the highest in the league, while maintaining a disciplined defense that conceded only 35 times.
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League Standings Summary
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 42 | 31 | 7 | 4 | 99 | 35 | +64 | 100 |
| 2 | Montedio Yamagata | 42 | 23 | 9 | 10 | 66 | 40 | +26 | 78 |
| 3 | Vegalta Sendai | 42 | 18 | 16 | 8 | 62 | 47 | +15 | 70 |
| 4 | Cerezo Osaka | 42 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 81 | 60 | +21 | 69 |
| 5 | Shonan Bellmare | 42 | 19 | 8 | 15 | 68 | 48 | +20 | 65 |
Cup Competition Success
The Super Cup Triumph
Having qualified as the runners-up of the 2007 Emperor's Cup, Sanfrecce Hiroshima entered the Super Cup Final on March 1, 2008. Facing Kashima Antlers at the National Stadium in Tokyo, the match ended in a 2–2 draw after regulation. Sanfrecce Hiroshima ultimately secured the trophy by winning the penalty shootout 4–3.
Emperor's Cup Campaign
Due to their status in J. League Division 2, the club received a bye to the third round of the Emperor's Cup. They embarked on a strong run, defeating Osaka Taiiku University 6–0, Tokyo Verdy 1–0, and Kawasaki Frontale 2–0.
Their journey concluded in the quarter-finals on December 20, 2008, where they faced Kashiwa Reysol. After a hard-fought battle that went to extra time (a.e.t.), Sanfrecce Hiroshima narrowly lost 3–2.
Key Facts
- League Title: Sanfrecce Hiroshima won the J. League 2 championship with 100 points.
- Promotion: The club earned promotion to the 2009 J. League Division 1.
- Super Cup: Won the Super Cup via a penalty shootout against Kashima Antlers.
- Offensive Power: Scored 99 goals in 42 league matches.
- Cup Progress: Reached the quarter-finals of the Emperor's Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Sanfrecce Hiroshima finish in the 2008 J. League 2?
They finished in 1st place, winning the championship and securing promotion to Division 1.
How many goals did the team score during the league season?
Sanfrecce Hiroshima scored a total of 99 goals across 42 matches.
Who did Sanfrecce Hiroshima defeat to win the Super Cup?
They defeated Kashima Antlers in a penalty shootout after the match ended 2–2.
How far did the club progress in the 2008 Emperor's Cup?
The club reached the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Kashiwa Reysol with a score of 3–2 after extra time.
What was the result of the Emperor's Cup third-round match?
Sanfrecce Hiroshima won their third-round match against Osaka Taiiku University with a dominant 6–0 victory.