YOKOHAMA — Goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki lived up to his billing as reigning J. League player of the year with three shootout saves to lead Nagoya Grampus past Kashima Antlers 3-1 on penalties to win the Xerox Super Cup after a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Narazaki denied Daiki Iwamasa, Alex and Toru Araiba from the spot after Takuya Nozawa had canceled out Takahiro Masukawa's 54th-minute opener at Nissan Stadium, striking an early psychological blow for the league champion over one of its most dangerous rivals before the new season begins next weekend.
Narazaki also denied Nozawa a second goal with a stretching fingertip save five minutes from time, leaving Nagoya manager Dragan Stojkovic in no doubt as to the 34-year-old's value.