Kashima Antlers 5-0 SAFFC: All goes well for Antlers

Shinzo Koroki celebrates one of his two strikes with fellow goal scorer Yuya Osako in Kashima Antlers 5-0 romp over Singapore Armed Forces. (WSG)

KASHIMA – Kashima Antlers manager Oswaldo Oliveira had plenty of reason to be happy after his side’s convincing 5-0 home victory over Singapore Armed Forces on Wednesday.

Midfielder Takuya Nozawa and forward Shinzo Koroki gave the J.League champions a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Captain Mitsuo Ogasawara and teenager Yuya Osako extended the advantage early in the second half before Koroki scored his second of the game to seal an emphatic win for the home side who joined Suwon Bluewings at the top of Group G with nine points.

“When I heard the final whistle, that was the best moment of the game today because we confirmed the victory and I had no injured players,” said Oliveira.

“I think we played well. One of the characteristics of our team is to play hard to the very end of the game, which they did today.

“Now we continue trying to qualify for the next phase.”

The Brazilian utilised a 4-3-3 formation for the first time and opted to rest some of his first-choice players for the visit of the Singapore league champions.

“I think the change to our team worked very well,” he said.

“I thought this system would work well against our opponents tonight in terms of efficiency and function in trying to make the most of our players. I’m satisfied with the outcome.

“As both the AFC Champions League and the J.League are high-level competitions and we have to play seven games in the space of 22 days, we have to carefully consider when and how to use our players,” Oliveira added.

SAF manager Richard Bok admitted that there was a gap between the two sides as his side remained without a point after four games.

“We did our best. Our team gave 100% but they showed that we are at a different level. Definitely Kashima are on a better level than us,” said Bok.

“This is the first time for us in the Champions League. We are here to learn from the best teams in Asia not only about how to play but also how to run the club and so forth.

“On a technical side, the way they move the ball, their off the ball running and passing is impressive.

“Most of the teams pass and move, and that’s one thing we have definitely learned not only from Kashima but also Suwon and Shanghai.

“We are trying to catch up with them but we tried to compete to the best of our ability.”