Match Report
The table read 2nd (Kashima Antlers, 9 pts) against 3rd (Sydney, 6 pts), 3 points apart. Sydney had been under-performing their position — 19th on five-round form against 3rd in the table. Per game in the league, Kashima Antlers were scoring 1.33 and conceding 1, Sydney 1.17 and 1.33, against a competition average of 1.41 goals per team per game.
From the last five rounds, Kashima Antlers held 10 points of 15 and Sydney 4.
Kashima Soccer Stadium, capacity 40,728, hosted the game. On the scoreboard, Kashima Antlers led 1-0 at the break; 1 second-half goal set the final 1-1.
Goal scorers
Kashima Antlers: M. Kanazaki (27') · Sydney: Matt Simon (70')
Key stats
Possession: Kashima Antlers 50% · Sydney 50% · Total shots: 18-7 · On target: 4-2 · Corners: 6-2