OSAKA, Japan: Kashima Antlers became the first Japanese side to reach the Club World Cup final when they beat Colombia’s South American champions Atletico Nacional 3-0 on Wednesday.
Kashima’s first goal came after 33 minutes when Shoma Doi converted a penalty given for an off-the-ball trip after video evidence was used for the first time to award a spot kick.
Yasushi Endo scored the Antlers’ second after 83 minutes when he took advantage of an error by goalkeeper Franco Armani to backheel a loose ball into the empty net.
Atletico’s heads went down and two minutes later substitute Yuma Suzuki, who had just come on, sidefooted home a third from close range after Mu Kanazaki’s ball across the face of goal.
The result means the Japanese champions will face the winners of Thursday’s semi-final between Real Madrid and Mexico’s Club America. The final is scheduled for Sunday.
Video evidence
Video evidence was used to award a penalty for the first time at the Club World Cup when the referee gave Kashima Antlers a spot kick against Atletico Nacional.
An off-field official called attention to an infringement by Orlando Berrio and Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai walked to the side of the pitch to review the incident on a computer screen.
Viktor Kassai immediately awarded a 33rd minute penalty that Shoma Doi converted to give Japanese side Kashima a 1-0 lead. Berrio could clearly be seen tripping opponent Daigo Nishi as the players moved into the box to challenge for a free kick. — Reuters
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