Gamba Defeat Pachuca For Third Spot

Gamba Osaka claimed third place in the Club World Cup after a narrow 1-0 win over Pachuca. 



Dec 21, 2008 9:49:18 AM

More On :  Gamba Osaka, Pachuca
Gamba Osaka-Pachuca: Lucas - Aguilar (Mexsport)
A first half strike by Masata Yamazaki was enough to seal a deserved win for Gamba Osaka against their Mexican opposition.

The Japanese side began the game the brighter, and backed by a vociferous support, they had an early opportunity with a Yasuhito Endo free kick.

However, whilst the midfielder managed to beat the wall his shot was comfortably claimed by Pachuca goalkeeper Miguel Calero.
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Yet just before the half hour mark Gamba did make the breakthrough. Yamaguchi played in Ryuij Bando who produced a superb chip which Yamazaki slotted home with a fine finish.

Minutes later and the Japanese side could have doubled their lead. A Lucas cross was met by Bando but Calero stuck out a leg to deny what looked a certain goal.

Although a more determined Pachuca side emerged for the break, Gamba still looked the most likely in an entertaining second half.

Yet with five minutes to go the Mexicans almost grabbed a late equaliser. However, a Luis Montes shot was hit straight at goalkeeper Fujigaya much to Gamba’s relief.

Pachuca continued to throw men forward at the end and despite Osaka being reduced to ten man late on after Takahiro Futugawa was sent for a foul on Aguilar, they held on for a deserved win.

Pachuca: Calero, Lopez, Perez, Correa, Alvarez (Luis Montes, 51), Caballero (Manon, 74), Correa, Cardenas (Torres, 46), Rodriguez, Gimenez, Aguilar


Gamba Osaka: Fujigaya, Nakazawa, Yamaguchi, Endo, Lucas (Takei, 77), Bando (Futagawa 64), Yasuda, Myojin, Kaji, Hashimoto, Yamazaki.

GOAL
0-1 Gamba Osaka (Yamazaki ,29)

-- Gill Clark, Goal.com

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