J-League Saturday review

J.League champions Kashima Antlers got their title defence off to a winning start with a 2-0 win over Urawa Reds.

J.League champions Kashima Antlers got their title defence off to a winning start as goals from Shinzo Koroki and Marquinhos sealed a 2-0 win over Urawa Reds at Kashima Soccer Stadium on the opening day of the new season.

Japan forward Koroki struck the opener in the fourth minute after bursting into the area to meet Mitsuo Ogasawara's cross at the near post.

Marquinhos then hit the post in the 20th minute before Reds attempted to rally after the break and substitute Tatsuya Tanaka hit the woodwork midway through the second-half.

The hosts made the points safe in the 86th minute when substitute Yasushi Endo dribbled up the left flank before crossing for the unmarked Marquinhos to head home.

"After we scored early, we had more space to play for the rest of the game. When Urawa fought back, the game became a lot closer but we made the most of the chances we had," Kashima manager Oswaldo Oliveira said.

Urawa's German manager Volker Finke added: "After we gave up the early goal early, we had to attack in the second half and gradually take more risks, but we couldn't score."

In Osaka, Australia forward Joshua Kennedy netted the winning goal as Nagoya Grampus edged out Gamba Osaka 2-1.

Gamba midfielder Takahiro Futagawa cancelled out Japan forward Keiji Tamada's 14th-minute opener with a fine strike from distance seven minutes later.

However, Nagoya midfielder Mu Kanazaki - signed from Oita Trinita in the close season - cut into the box from the right before Kennedy reacted to a loose ball to fire home the winner in the 68th minute after Kanazaki's pass deflected off a Gamba defender in the area.

"It was a very good game with very good quality," said Nagoya boss Dragan Stojkovic.

"Gamba showed a very high level of technique but we were good enough to win the game. The key was the second half, when we played very aggressively."

Gamba manager Akira Nishino added: "It was our third game this year and we showed good fitness after two tough previous games. Nagoya attacked well but we should be capable of competing against them."

Brazilian midfielder Renatinho and forward Masaru Kurotsu both struck early in the first-half as Kawasaki Frontale beat Albirex Niigata 2-1 at home.

Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto appeared in the J.League for the first time in nine years as he made his debut for Kawasaki.

A stoppage-time equaliser from Genki Omae saw Shimizu S-Pulse salvage a 1-1 draw at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Japan forward Hisato Sato had given the hosts an early lead with his third-minute goal.

Vegalta Sendai celebrated their return to Division One with a 1-0 win over Jubilo Iwata thanks to Ryang Yong-gi's goal inside the opening minute in Iwata.

Shonan Bellmare, also back in the top flight after 10 years in Division Two, were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Montedio Yamagata.

Brazilian defender Jean's 19th-minute opener was cancelled out when team-mate Yutaka Tahara put through his own net five minutes before the break.

Finally, FC Tokyo edged Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 thanks to an injury-time effort from forward Sota Hirayama.