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Japan: J-League- Osaka close gap [Sat Aug 27th, 2005]
A hard-fought 3-2 win over Yokohama F-Marinos lifted Gamba Osaka to within a point of one-time runaway leaders Kashima Antlers who crashed to a second defeat in three games, leaving the title race wide open.
Antlers’ midfielder Daiki Iwamasa was shown the red card in the 37th minute at struggling Tokyo Verdy and Ossie Ardiles former team took advantage with Brazilian striker Washington scoring goal number 13 and 14 of the season to lift Verdy out of the relegation zone.
Gamba Osaka fell behind to the defending champions Yokohama, but equalised in the 38th minute through veteran midfielder Mitsuteru Watanabe. Masashi Oguro put the home side on course for the victory with 18 minutes remaining, but Yokohama looked to have rescued a point six minutes from time when Hideo Oshima levelled the scores. However, with a minute remaining Watanabe struck again to give Osaka a vital win.
National team striker Tatsuya Tanaka put Urawa Red Diamonds ahead in the 16th minute at Nagoya Grampu Eight and Naoya Umeda sealed the win that moves the Reds into third place on the half-hour.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima dropped into fourth after being held at Kawasaki Frontale. Hisato Sato continued his impressive season by giving Sanfrecce a 56th-minute lead but Marcus secured a point for the newly-promoted side 12 minutes later.
Bottom team Vissel Kobe continued their mini-revival with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Oita Trinita.
Elsewhere Jubilo Iwata were held to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Tokyo and Albirex Niigata and JEF United produced the same scoreline.
Top 5 Standings:
1. Kashima Antlers 42 2. Gamba Osaka 41 3. Urawa Reds 36 4. Sanfrecce Hiroshima 35 5. Jubilo Iwata 32
John Duerden
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