Veteran Japan striker Masashi Nakayama scored twice as Jubilo Iwata climbed back into first place in the J. League second stage with a 2-0 win away to local rival Shimizu S-Pulse on Wednesday.
Last year's champions Kashima Antlers and FC Tokyo also grabbed victories to move level with Jubilo at the top, with the first-stage winner ahead on goal difference.
Another of South Korea's World Cup squad, Park Ji Sung put Kyoto Purple Sanga one up on the half hour at Kashima, but the Antlers hit back through two set-piece goals to win 2-1.