Brazilian striker Marquinhos put a significant dent in his former club's bid for a third consecutive Nabisco Cup title as Yokohama F. Marinos beat Kashima Antlers 2-0 away in the first leg of their quarterfinal meeting on Sunday.
Former Japan playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura put Yokohama in front on 18 minutes, when he earned and fired in a trademark free kick at Kashima Stadium.
Kashima created numerous chances through Davi, Yuya Osako and Takuya Nozawa, but Cerezo Toninho's men failed to capitalize. And Marquinhos, who helped Antlers win three consecutive league titles, sealed victory with a header from a Yuzo Kobayashi cross 12 minutes from time, putting Yokohama in control ahead of next week's return leg.
In the other first-leg ties, another former Antlers striker, Shinzo Koroki, bagged a brace as Urawa Reds won 2-0 at Cerezo Osaka, while Kawasaki Frontale held on to beat Vegalta Sendai at home 2-1, Yu Kobayashi and Renato scoring before Toshihiro Matsushita pulled one back for the visitors in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.
Asian Champions League quarterfinalists Kashiwa Reysol won 2-1 at J. League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima behind goals from Junya Tanaka and Masato Kudo.
The two-legged semifinals are scheduled for Sept. 7 and Oct. 12, with the final to take place on Nov. 2.