Kashima Antlers defeated Universidad de Chile 7-6 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to win the Suruga Bank Championship.
The match, organized each year between the winners of the Copa Sudamericana and the J-League Cup, had finished 2-2 after Kashima let slip a two-goal lead.
''I think maybe they didn't know our strengths,'' Kashima coach Jorginho said. ''We were able to get some goals early and that set the tone for the match.''
After both teams successfully converted their first six spot kicks, Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata stopped Francisco Castro's penalty. That set up a chance for Daigo Nishi, who calmly beat the Universidad de Chile goalkeeper.
''This was a difficult game for us,'' Universidad de Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli said. ''We were tired in the first 20 minutes then took control in the second half but were unlucky in the shootout.''
Daiki Iwamasa put Kashima ahead in the 18th minute and Brazilian Renato made it 2-0 just 10 minutes later.
However, Iwamasa went to score an own goal in the 40th minute and midfielder Charles Aranguiz equalized for Universidad de Chile in the 73rd.
