Sendai started this match aiming to stay top of J1 after faltering with a loss and a draw in recent matches, and S-Pulse, among others are hot on their tail! The 2010 champions, Nagoya Grampus are never an easy proposition, although are undergoing some difficulties at the start of this campaign. Actually, strike that…. I should say WERE never an easy proposition, because they capitulated big time today!
Vegalta almost took the lead in the 18th minute as a low cross from Ryang was whipped off the toes of Sekiguchi in front of a wide open goal, but it was Ryang again, who finally opened the scoring in the 38th minute. But it was down to terrible hesitation TWICE within seconds, in the Grampus defence, before Ryang slotted home. It was 2-0 on the stroke of half time, as a deep corner was headed back across goal by Akamine and the hapless Masukawa popped it into his own net!
It stayed that way until the 87th minute when Tulio – who seemed Nagoya’s most potent forward today – saw his shot cleared off the line. The ball ricocheted out to Ota, who advanced forward, slotted a pass to Wilson and the Brazilian stayed on his feet for a change, probably because the challenge from Tanaka was half-hearted at best, and poked the ball home to make the game well and truly safe for the home team. But that wasn’t the end of the misery for Grampus! In the 90th minute Kakuda forced a fine save from Narazaki but the free ball was admired by Tanaka, again showing he is looking for a break in the next game, and Sugai poked home the free ball to make it 4-0, as Sendai stayed top, with ease!