The Kashima Antlers capped a remarkable recovery from a poor start to the year on Saturday by clinching the J. League's second-stage title.
Following a flawless display in a 4-0 win over Tokyo Verdy 1969 at Kashima Stadium, the Antlers players were mobbed by their jubilant fans in a ceremony outside the 41,800-seat World Cup venue. Some 8,000 cans of beer were sprayed around and consumed by the celebrants.
It could have been somewhat different. The Antlers were hampered by injuries to a number of their regular players, such as defender Fabiano, midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara and left-back Naoki Soma. The three-time J. League champion could only finish 11th with 18 points from a 6-1-8 win-draw-loss record in the first stage.