Kashima clinch Super Cup
Sunday, 1 March 2009
TOKYO, Feb 28(AFP): J-League champions Kashima Antlers thumped Asian champions Gamba Osaka 3-0 Saturday to claim their fourth Super Cup and their first in 10 years.
Kashima struck early through forward Shinzo Koroki in the sixth minute and doubled their lead just eight minutes later when Brazilian striker Marquinhos struck home from close range.
The J-League champions scored their third goal in the 39th minute, when Koroki crossed for Takuya Nozawa to score.
Emperor's Cup Winners Osaka improved in the second half but dangerman Yasuhito Endo squandered several opportunities from free-kicks and Satoshi Yamaguchi's header was saved by goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata.
"This is the first official game of the season. I think we can gain the momentum for the J-League tournament by winning it," said Koroki.
"Whenever a forward scores a goal, the team can gain the momentum. I'm going to try to score more goals this season so that I can join the national team."
Kashima's Brazilian coach Oswaldo Oliveira was satisfied with the victory.
"It was a game between the J-League champions and the Cup champions. Especially, Gamba Osaka are the Asian champions. They are one of the best teams in Japan. I'm really happy that we defeated them by three goals," he said.
The J-League will kick off next Saturday.
Kashima struck early through forward Shinzo Koroki in the sixth minute and doubled their lead just eight minutes later when Brazilian striker Marquinhos struck home from close range.
The J-League champions scored their third goal in the 39th minute, when Koroki crossed for Takuya Nozawa to score.
Emperor's Cup Winners Osaka improved in the second half but dangerman Yasuhito Endo squandered several opportunities from free-kicks and Satoshi Yamaguchi's header was saved by goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata.
"This is the first official game of the season. I think we can gain the momentum for the J-League tournament by winning it," said Koroki.
"Whenever a forward scores a goal, the team can gain the momentum. I'm going to try to score more goals this season so that I can join the national team."
Kashima's Brazilian coach Oswaldo Oliveira was satisfied with the victory.
"It was a game between the J-League champions and the Cup champions. Especially, Gamba Osaka are the Asian champions. They are one of the best teams in Japan. I'm really happy that we defeated them by three goals," he said.
The J-League will kick off next Saturday.