Kashima beat Osaka to retain Super Cup

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TOKYO, Feb 27, 2010 (AFP) - J-League champions Kashima Antlers defeated Emperor's Cup winners Gamba Osaka in a penalty shoot-out 5-3 to win the Super Cup for a second year running and fifth year over all on Saturday.

After Kashima skipper Mitsuo Ogasawara took a 1-0 lead in the shoot-out, Japan international mid-fielder Yasuhito Endo misfired his shot to go down and Osaka were never able to reduce the deficit.

Takuya Nozawa, Toru Araiba, Daiki Iwamasa and Brazilian striker Marquinhos all netted their shots for a perfect score.

"We wanted to win it in 90 minutes, but a win is a win even if it's a penalty shoot-out. I think it was a good start to the season ahead of the J-League opener next week," said Ogasawara.

"But we still have a lot of room that we must improve further. We don't have extra time in the league competition. We will try to win each game in 90 minutes."

Earlier, Kashima took the lead when defender Iwamasa was pulled down after Ogasawara hit a free kick into the penalty area, allowing Marquinhos to duly score the following penalty shot in the 20th minute.

But Osaka made it even in first-half injury time when defender Ryo Kaji's shot from outside the area hit Ogasawara's head to change its course and go into the top left corner.