Emperor's Cup Final Preview: Kashima Antlers - Shimizu S-Pulse

Posted Friday, December 31, 2010 by Goal.com

History repeats itself as Kashima Antlers and Shimizu S-Pulse meet in the Emperor’s Cup final, just as they did exactly ten years ago.

On January 1st, 2001, the Antlers prevailed 3-2 in a dramatic game that lasted 120 minutes, traditionally the last act of the Japanese football season.

Since 1992, the year marking the beginning of professional football in Japan, Kashima have been in five finals and won three of them, while S-Pulse have been in four and won only one (in 2001) which represents arguably the most prestigious piece of silverware for the Shizuoka club so far.

The competition however, precedes professional football by more than seventy years, as the first edition (which featured a mere four clubs) dates back to 1921.

Since the mid 90s, the number of participants has grown to around 6,000 clubs, including countless amateur teams, high schools and universities. Keio University is, as a matter of fact, the team that holds the most victories, with their last of nine dating back to 1956.

A team from Seoul counts among the past champions - a reminder of Japan's imperial past - and there have been four victories by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the precursors of the Urawa Red Diamonds.

This year’s finalists are an intriguing duo. Kashima have won three consecutive J-League titles from 2007-2009 but this year finished only fourth. The campaign would be labelled a disappointment if they fail to clinch this title and the promise of Asian Champions League football that goes with it.

Shimizu S-Pulse seemed good enough to compete for the title in 2009 and 2010 but on both occasions choked once they got to the top of the table. Moreover, this season they had to experience the humiliation of witnessing cross-regional arch-enemies Jubilo Iwata lifting the Nabisco Cup.

However, S-Pulse were in great shape in the semifinal, with Shinji Ono directing a well oiled football machine that found its natural terminal in Frode Johnsen. At 36 the Norweigan is still decisive and left his mark on the match with two goals against Gamba.

The men to watch for the Antlers are the two strikers, Shinzo Koroki and Yuya Osako. Even when the team is not at 100%, they seem capable of firing at any time, especially if Mitsuo Ogasawara and Takuya Nogawa are in inspired form.

On paper it's a very balanced final that also has ACL football and the right to open the next season against J1 champions Nagoya Grampus in the Xerox Supercup riding on it.