Kawasaki Frontale 1-1 (PK:4-5) Oita Trinita

The score was tied at 1-1 after the two teams gave it all for 120 minutes, including extra time, and the winner was decided by a penalty shootout, in which Oita prevailed at the end to advance to the final. When Oita’s goalkeeper TAKAGI Shun stopped the shot of Kawasaki's seventh kicker, YAMANE Miki, coach KATANOSAKA Tomohiro fell on his back with joy, as the coach shared his excitement, “I cannot believe that we have beaten the undisputed champions Kawasaki to advance to the final.”

Entering this match, Kawasaki had won the J1 title for the second year in a row and was aiming to defend their Emperor's Cup title, while Oita was set to be relegated to J2 next season. As expected, Kawasaki dominated the ball possession to take control over the match.

However, it was Takagi who stood in the way of Kawasaki’s title defence, as the goalkeeper made number of spectacular saves, including the one-handed save to stop the shot of OSHIMA Ryota in the 27th minute. Led by Henrique TREVISAN, the Oita defence also contributed to keep the clean sheet intact, as the match entered overtime tied at 0-0.

Despite conceding the opening goal to Kawasaki’s KOBAYASHI Yu in the 113th minute, Oita did not give up until the end, as Trevisan converted the cross of SHIMODA Hokuto to equalise the match during additional time. With Oita carrying the momentum into the shootout, Takagi made two saves to lead his side to victory. Facing his former club, Takagi mentioned after the match, “The supporters of Todoroki are very warm, so I was able to enjoy myself on the pitch.”

The players of Oita united under coach Katanosaka, who is stepping down from his post at the end of this season and became the first Kyushu side in the J.League to reach the Emperor's Cup final. With just one win away from being crowned as champions, the coach shared his aspiration, “I'm ecstatic to be able to play a title match at Japan National Stadium. I've never been happier, and I want to express my gratitude at the final.”

Coaches and Players' Comments

ONIKI Toru, Coach (Kawasaki Frontale)
Although we struggled at the beginning of the match, we manged to pick up our pace as the match progressed. However, their goalkeeper Takagi showcased a spectacular performance today. I think we need to train even harder for next year to beat players like him. The players did a great job throughout the year and fought hard to the end.

TANIGUCHI Shogo (Kawasaki Frontale)
We had to finish off the match within 90 minutes, or at least in 120 minutes. We created enough opportunities to make that happen, so it is regretful that we couldn’t convert them. Including the goalkeeper, the defence line had to be more committed, which could have made the difference in this match. We have no complaints about the penalty shootout. We can’t blame the players for missing their spot kicks. We had to finish the match before that.

KATANOSAKA Tomohiro, Coach (Oita Trinita)
Even after the match is over, it still feels surreal. This result is just unbelievable, I feel like I am dreaming. Entering this match against Kawasaki, we challenged the undisputed champions with a four-back formation. The staff and I prepared the game plan, and the players believed and executed our game plan with great persistency.

TAKAGI Shun (Oita Trinita)
We fought hard as a team to keep the match scoreless until overtime. Even after we conceded the first goal, we manged to come back to score the equaliser at the very end, which was huge. I was a little surprised at how well I played today. This stadium gives me a lot of energy. Kawasaki is a really good team, but we were able to play well because we enjoyed playing against them.

Emperor's Cup JFA 101st Japan Football Championship

【1st Round】Sat. 22, Sun. 23 May [Backup date: Mon. 24 May]
【2nd Round】Wed. 9, Wed. 16 June
【3rd Round】Wed. 7 July [Backup date: Wed. 14 July]
【Round of 16】Wed. 18 August [Backup date: Wed. 13 October]
【Quarterfinals】Wed. 27 October［Backup date: Wed. 17 November］
【Semi-Finals】Sun. 12 December
【Final】Sun. 19 December

Tournament Information