Kashima Antlers are out to score one for Japanese and Asian soccer in Wednesday's Club World Cup semifinal against Atletico Nacional, saying the onus is on them to prove that Asia is gaining on its European and South American counterparts.
No club from Asia has reached the final in tournament history. With the competition going to the United Arab Emirates the next two years — and whispers that it is headed for China afterward — this Club World Cup could be Japan's best shot at a place in the final for the foreseeable future.
"I think whether the gap has closed or not rests on us, which is why these next two games are extremely important," Kashima manager Masatada Ishii said at Suita Stadium, on the eve of the tournament's first semifinal. Real Madrid faces Club America in the other semi on Thursday in Yokohama.