FOOTBALL-1st Semi final for Nigata and Kobe in Nabisco cup

Albirex Niigata and Vissel Kobe both went down to crush on Sunday, yet the misfortunes were insufficient to keep either from progressing to the elimination rounds of the J.League Nabisco Cup interestingly. It is first time in the history that Nigata and Kobe progress to the semi final of this cup competition.

Albirex, beaten 3-0 by host Urawa Reds in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie, made it to the following stage on total on account of a 5-0 win in the first leg. Host Vissel experienced on a 4-3 total in spite of losing 3-2 to Kashiwa Reysol. 

Albirex will next face Gamba Osaka, while Vissel will face Kashima Antlers in the two-leg elimination rounds on Oct. 7 and 11. 
Gamba required a penalty shootout to move beyond Nagoya Grampus after the two sides played to a second draw, while Kashima beating FC Tokyo 3-0 after a 2-2 attract the first leg. 

Minimum of five goals were needed to stay in the competition, Urawa changed their formation and strategy to be very offensive from beginning of the game. Niigata, defended well to keep the first half clean sheet with the tactic of counter attack, showing great physical strength of individuals. 

However Nigata could not keep the clean sheet after the 10minutes of the second half. Urawa broke the deadlock in the 55th and 58th minutes then added another goal from penalty in the 70th minutes.  

"I'm frustrated with the defeat but our fundamental objective was to progress to the following stage," captain of Nigata, Kentaro Oi said to medias after the game.

Albirex Nigata is currently placed fifteenth in the standings of the J.League first division. 

Captain Oi also added "It gave us real confidence to go through to the next round of the cup game. The team we faced was the winner of the J.League forst stage. We can keep on performing with great confidence.

Gamba Osaka was the champion last season and aims to retain the title while Kashima Antlers are in great form.