Kashima savouring shot at glory

© Getty Images 18 December 2016 could go down as the most important day in Kashima Antlers’ history, as they face Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016.
Ahead of this historic match, FIFA.com spoke with two of Kashima’s rising stars who have been integral to the J.League champions’ progression to the final.
Midfielder Shoma Doi and centre back Gen Shoji are both 24. They joined Kashima at the same time as playmaker Gaku Shibasaki and form a trio representing the next generation at the club that has won a record eight domestic league titles.
Doi, who converted a penalty to open the scoring in the semi-final against Atletico Nacional, is determined to help Antlers etch their name into the history books. “I don’t want the records to simply say we played in the final. I want Kashima to go down in history for its performance at this tournament,” Doi said.
While being bullish about his side’s prospects, Doi is aware of the huge challenge presen..

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Ogasawara: At Kashima we play to win

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Kashima Antlers have been a dominant force in Japanese football for decades. Now, a new chapter in the club’s proud history is about to be written as Antlers make their debut appearance in a FIFA Club World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com ahead of Kashima’s opening game against Auckland City, midfield maestro Mitsuo Ogasawara spoke of his excitement at the opportunity to compete against a glittering array of continental champions.
“I’m really looking forward to this tournament,” said the 37-year-old former Japan international. “We’ll be up against players we don’t have in the J.League.” Ogasawara was at the heart of Kashima’s record eighth domestic league title, which sealed Antlers’ berth at the tournament. Yet for all the silverware Kashima have won over the years, the AFC Champions League trophy has eluded them.
Two other Japanese teams have etched their name on the trophy—Urawa Reds in 2007, and Gamba Osaka in 2008—but Kashima are yet to be crowned c..

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Kashima complete rocky road to glory

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Harnessing a balanced blend of youth and experience, Kashima Antlers won their eighth J.League title in dramatic style and booked a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016. Their run to glory was anything but smooth, but Antlers somehow found a way to clinch their first title in seven years.
Antlers defeated Urawa Reds on the away goals rule after the two-legged championship final ended 2-2 on aggregate. Reds had finished top of the table this season – 15 points ahead of Kashima – and held a 1-0 lead after the first leg, but Antlers’ 2-1 victory in the return match handed them the title.
Antlers are known for not giving up until the final whistle, and this steely resolve was crucial to sealing the crown. “We just try as hard as we can, whether we’re training or playing a match,” said the team"s midfield general, Mitsuo Ogasawara.
The champions
The season’s 17-game first stage was initially dominated by Urawa and Kawasaki Frontale. However, a streak of five g..

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Kashima Antlers, Urawa Reds compete for J.League crown

© AFP Played across two-legs, the J.League Championship Final between Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers will not only determine Japan’s top club for 2016, but also the nation’s representative at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016. The Reds earned their berth by finishing top of the overall first-division standings, while Antlers won the first stage and ended the season in third place. The latter defeated second-place Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 in the semi-final play-off and will carry this momentum into the final’s first leg, where they will enjoy home advantage.
The J.League’s top tier will return to a single-stage tournament from 2017, so this year’s play-off will be the last J1 championship decided under this format. The league used this two-stage system between 1993 and 1995, 1997 and 2004, as well as for the last two seasons. Kashima have reached five of the previous 12 championship play-offs, and clinched three titles. Urawa reached the play-offs in 2015 after winning the first stage an..

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