Tadatoshi Masuda headed home a first-half winner as JEF United Ichihara beat Jubilo Iwata 1-0 to send the J. League champion crashing out of the Emperor's Cup in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, former Japan striker Tatsuhiko Kubo bagged two goals as recently-relegated Sanfrecce Hiroshima came from behind to defeat defending champion Shimizu S-Pulse 3-1, while Kashima Antlers and Kyoto Purple Sanga won to complete the semifinal line-up.

Ichihara was the only side Iwata failed to beat in the league in 2002 as it claimed a historic two-stage double.

And the Chiba Prefecture side extended its run over Jubilo after Masuda connected with a Yuki Abe corner in the 34th minute to head in the only goal of the game.

In Nagasaki Prefecture, Brazilian forward Baron put Shimizu in front in the 16th minute, heading in the rebound after South Korean international Ahn Jung Hwan saw a chip from 25 meters hit the crossbar.

Kubo leveled the scores from the penalty spot on the half hour and then put Hiroshima in front in the 61st minute, following up after strike partner Susumu Oki had fired against the upright with the goal wide open.

Kazuyoshi Morisaki grabbed a third late on to ensure victory as Hiroshima, which went down from the first division after finishing 15th, kept up its hopes of a consolation victory in the Emperor's Cup.

However Kashima, winner two seasons ago, will be installed as favorite after a 1-0 victory over second-division Kawasaki Frontale.

Masashi Motoyama met a deep cross from Augusto at the far post midway through the second half and volleyed home the only goal of the match at the National Stadium.

Kyoto also edged past Nagoya Grampus Eight by the same scoreline with Japan under-23 midfielder Daisuke Matsui pouncing on a loose ball to score the winner in the 34th minute in front of a disappointing crowd of just over 3,000.

Hiroshima will meet Kyoto in Sunday's semifinals with Kashima facing Ichihara.