Reds on the prowl In Japan title race

TOKYO:

Former Asian champions Urawa Reds will be the team to beat as the Japanese championship race goes down to the wire, the club’s president insisted yesterday. Japan’s best-supported side clinched the J-League second-stage title with a 1-0 victory at Jubilo Iwata on Saturday to close in on a second domestic championship and a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup in December. President Keizo Fuchita told local media a relaxed atmosphere in the squad would give them the edge in the title run-in. “In the past perhaps we wouldn’t have been quite this laid-back,” he told Japan’s Nikkan Sports daily. “But with this natural calmness about the players, I’m sure we will go on to be champions.” Yuki Muto headed the winner for Urawa after 72 minutes to give the visitors a sixth successive win and the Reds can finish with a record 76 points for the year if they beat Yokohama F.Marinos on Thursday. Their closest rivals Kawasaki Frontale won 1-0 at Kashima Antlers, meanwhile, giving them 72 points for both stages before their final game at home to Gamba Osaka. — AFP