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 Andrew MCKIRDY

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Andrew MCKIRDY
Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jul 17, 2013
Zaccheroni on lookout for new blood at East Asian Cup
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Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 13, 2013
Marinos outclass league-leading Ardija
Yokohama F. Marinos clipped J.League leaders Omiya Ardija's wings and moved firmly into the chasing pack with a 2-1 win on Saturday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 10, 2013
Reds narrowly avoid defeat against FC Tokyo
Urawa Reds salvaged a point but lost ground on J. League leaders Omiya Ardija after a 2-2 draw with FC Tokyo on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 6, 2013
Ikeda leads Sagan to draw against Ardija
Sagan Tosu hit an 83rd-minute equalizer to claim a 1-1 draw with Omiya Ardija and cut the J.League leader's cushion at the top to three points as play resumed from a six-week international break on Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 5, 2013
Novakovic relishing surprise title challenge with Ardija
Few preseason predictions would have tipped Omiya Ardija to lead the J. League at the start of July, but as play resumes Saturday after a six-week international break, striker Milivoje Novakovic is happy to keep confounding expectations.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jul 3, 2013
Gamba, Vissel on course for quick return to top division
The J. League first division returns from its six-week international break this Saturday, but beneath the top flight the race for promotion is in full swing with the second division reaching its halfway point last Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jun 27, 2013
Zaccheroni feels heat for first time after early exit from Brazil
Alberto Zaccheroni has enjoyed an exceptionally smooth first three years as national team manager, but after coming in for widespread criticism in the wake of Japan's early exit from the Confederations Cup, the Italian can expect a bumpy ride before the World Cup begins next summer.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 23, 2013
Yokohama defender Dutra turning back time as he nears 40
Yokohama F. Marinos left-back Dutra will celebrate his 40th birthday before the current J. League season is over, but that does not mean he intends to shift down a gear anytime soon.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jun 20, 2013
Japan looking for Italian tonic after poor display against Brazil
Japan's humbling defeat to Brazil in the opening game of the Confederations Cup last weekend was a bitter pill to swallow, but that does not mean Alberto Zaccheroni's side cannot get its campaign back on track against Italy on Wednesday.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 9, 2013
Baggio impressed by Japan's progress
Italian soccer legend Roberto Baggio has paid tribute to the strides Japan has made under manager Alberto Zaccheroni, but the former FIFA World Player of the Year has warned his compatriot not to expect an easy ride at this month's Confederations Cup.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 6, 2013
Zaccheroni relieved after deciding against Honda switch
National team manager Alberto Zaccheroni admits he was thinking about substituting Keisuke Honda shortly before the star forward booked Japan's ticket to the 2014 World Cup with a 91st-minute penalty in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Australia.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 5, 2013
Japan becomes first to qualify for World Cup after Honda equalizer
Keisuke Honda scores a dramatic injury-time penalty to book Japan's place at the 2014 World Cup after a breathless 1-1 draw with Australia on Tuesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 4, 2013
Japan not looking past Australia with qualification in sight
Japan hopes to secure its place in the 2014 World Cup on home soil.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 2, 2013
Cahill says Australia to play physical
Australia midfielder Tim Cahill has warned Japan to expect a bruising physical encounter in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier if the Socceroos find themselves needing a goal to keep their hopes of reaching Brazil alive.
Japan Times
SOCCER
May 30, 2013
Troussier urges Japan to clinch World Cup spot in style
Former national team manager Philippe Troussier has warned Japan not to sit back and play for the single point it needs to secure a place at a fifth straight World Cup in next Tuesday's qualifier against Australia.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 26, 2013
Sanfrecce rack up third straight victory
Sanfrecce Hiroshima stepped up the defense of their J. League title with a comfortable 2-0 win over Shonan Bellmare on Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 25, 2013
Moriwaki enjoying challenge playing for Urawa brings
The 27-year-old defender says he was ready for a change of scenery after helping Sanfrecce Hiroshima win theJ. League title last season.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
May 23, 2013
Kagawa can become United star despite frustrating first season
Shinji Kagawa's debut season at Manchester United was a quiet one, but if luck goes his way the forward can play a major role for the Premier League champions next term.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 16, 2013
Kawabuchi reflects on two decades of J. League action
Saburo Kawabuchi, the J. League's first chairman, looks back at the history of the league he helped create 20 years ago.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
May 13, 2013
J. League's opening game stirs memories 20 years on
Players involved in the J. League's first-ever game share their recollections of the beginning of a new era for Japanese soccer.

Longform

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