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Ogasawara Scores in Kashima Win To Boost His World Cup Hopes
J-League | April 25, 2010

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Shizuoka, Japan. Two quick goals early in the second half gave Kashima Antlers a 3-1 win at Yokohama Marinos in the weekend’s J-League action, keeping the Antlers within three points of the league lead.

Lee Jung-soo struck in the 21st minute for Kashima, but Kazuma Watanabe brought Yokohama level in the 30th. Mitsuo Ogasawara and Marquinhos scored in the 51st and 60th minutes to give the Antlers their first win in four games.

Ogasawara, 31, has offered to pay his own way to South Africa in order to compete at a third World Cup finals. The 31-year-old scored one goal and set up another to revive his claim for a place in Japan’s squad.

“I realize it’s tough for me,” Ogasawara told Sunday’s Japanese media. “But it’s not as if my chances are zero.”

The J-League player of the year has been overlooked by Japan coach Okada since being recalled for the first time in more than three years in February amid reports of a bust-up between the two.

Ogasawara, at the center of a national debate after he was picked ahead of Shunsuke Nakamura for the 2002 World Cup finals by former coach Philippe Troussier, however, refused to give up hope.

“I’m not pinning everything on making the first 11,” he said.

“But if I can get into the squad in a back-up role, I would be happy to. I’d pay my own money to get there,” he added.

Ogasawara has played a key role in Kashima’s hat-trick of J-League titles, but could miss out on the World Cup after reports he clashed with Okada earlier this year.

Upset at being substituted in Japan’s 0-0 home draw with Venezuela, the combative midfielder criticized the national set-up and was quickly warned by Okada to keep quiet.

On the field, Urawa Reds were knocked out of top spot by a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Jubilo Iwata. Norihiro Nishi scored the lone goal as Jubilo ended the Reds’ six-game unbeaten streak and previously perfect home record.

Nagoya Grampus moved into second place with a 1-0 win over Cerezo Osaka thanks to a last-minute free kick by Keiji Tamada.

Shimizu S-Pulse leads the standings after a 2-1 home win over Omiya Ardija, maintaining an unbeaten record after eight games.

Shimizu midfielder Akihiro Hyodo opened the scoring in the 58th minute before Omiya defender Shusuke Tsubouchi equalized with a header in the 75th. Substitute Masaki Yamamoto won the game in spectacular fashion with a 25-meter drive.

Kawasaki Frontale is two points behind Shimizu after a 3-0 win over 10-man Vissel Kobe. Renatinho and Chong Tese converted penalties for the host.

Montedio Yamagata received a stoppage-time winner from Yuzo Tashiro to clinch a 2-1 victory at Kyoto Sanga 2-1, while Gamba Osaka had a 2-0 home win over Tokyo, with goals from Lucas and Takashi Usami.

Shonan Bellmare defeated Vegalta Sendai 1-0 courtesy of a header by Yoshiro Abe. Last-place Albirex Niigata remained winless when Satoru Yamagishi scored a late equalizer to give Sanfrecce Hiroshima a 2-2 draw.

AP, Reuters