Osaka beat Nagoya
Saturday, 2 January 2010
TOKYO, Jan 1 (AFP): Japan international midfielder Yasuhito Endo scored twice and set up another to lead defending champions Gamba Osaka to a 4-1 victory over Nagoya Grampus in the Emperor's Cup final Friday.
Osaka have now won the knock-out tournament three times.
Brazilian striker Lucas opened the scoring only six minutes into the first half after a quick passing move started by Endo on the left.
Nagoya missed a crucial chance to equalize when Keiji Yoshimura's shot smacked the left post in the 30th minute.
Ten minutes later Nagoya drew level when Keiji Tamada sent a long ball into the Osaka area, where Australian international Josh Kennedy provided a perfect cross for Naoshi Nakamura to head home.
Osaka have now won the knock-out tournament three times.
Brazilian striker Lucas opened the scoring only six minutes into the first half after a quick passing move started by Endo on the left.
Nagoya missed a crucial chance to equalize when Keiji Yoshimura's shot smacked the left post in the 30th minute.
Ten minutes later Nagoya drew level when Keiji Tamada sent a long ball into the Osaka area, where Australian international Josh Kennedy provided a perfect cross for Naoshi Nakamura to head home.