Second-half substitute Masashi Nakayama struck a late winner Saturday as defending champion Jubilo Iwata came from behind to beat the Urawa Reds 2-1 in the Emperor's Cup semifinals to set up a meeting with Tokyo Verdy in the New Year's Day final.
Tokyo Verdy's Takahito Soma (right) battles Gamba Osaka's Hideo Hashimoto for the ball during their Emperor's Cup semifinal on Saturday at Nagai Stadium in Osaka. Verdy won 3-1.
Verdy ran out a 3-1 winner over Gamba Osaka to book its place in the final for the first time since winning the tournament as Verdy Kawasaki eight seasons ago.