Japan, South Korea without stars for East Asian Cup

A four-nation round robin tournament? What's the point? Sounds like it's just a chance for one or two countries to boost their egos, or after claim the tournament means nothing if they fail.

@smith (no hostility@you), but just let em' go at. The beauty of "soccer" or football is that it re-sparks national rivalry, through an international sport. Will be great to see Japanese vs S. Korea duke it out next month.

International football often sees patriotic idiots crawling out of the woodwork who have no interest in or knowledge of the game the game loving to see their country stuff the ( insert a disliked nationality here ). These people would be proud to see their countrymen win a fart igniting competition if it meant beating a 'rival'.

@Jimizo. You're right. I know next to crap about soccer (guilty). But, it sure is fun watching some teams win & some lose. Ain't it? Obviously Japan-Korea have nasty rivalry. Japan-China too. . . Entertaining to see them play, especially when the red cards come out.

When I watch USA, I expect them to lose. Why? Cause NBA, MLB, NFL, NASCAR, NHL fits closer to home than FIFA. But now, the USA is kickn' it! Let's not get started on Serena Williams or FivB 2015 Grand Prix.

Wc626: I'm all for games against these teams, but I just don't see the whole need for a 'tournament' between only four nations. I AM glad, though, that it gives the up and coming a chance instead of the stars just coming back for a peeing contest.