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Urawa Reds take third place after penalty-shootout

Japan's Urawa Reds defeated Tunisia's Etoile Sportive du Sahel on penalties yesterday to claim third place at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Striker Washington Stecanelo Cerqueira, playing in his last game for the Reds before returning home to Brazil, scored two goals in regular play and another in the penalty shootout that followed to give the Asian champions the bronze medal.

"This is a game I'll never forget," Washington said. "It's great to end the season this way and I want to thank our fans for all their support."

After the match finished in a 2-2 draw, Washington made no mistake in the first of four spot-kicks while Mohamed Ali Nafkha hit the post with Etoile's opening penalty.

Yuki Abe, Yuichiro Nagai and Hajime Hosogai converted their penalties. Saif Ghezel and Bassem Ben Nasr were also successful but when Ryota Suzuki saved Mejdi Traoui's effort Urawa had the victory.

Urawa coach Holger Osieck had high praise for Washington.

"Washington is our top scorer and you always rely on people who can finish," Osieck said. "I give him all the credit he deserves."

Etoile Sahel's defender Sabeur Frej had opened the scoring on five minutes but Urawa seized control of the game midway through the first half, and Washington equalized with a header in the 35th minute.

He then netted a free-kick in the 70th minute but the African champions never gave up and their efforts were rewarded when Chermiti equalized five minutes later.

Etoile Sahel then had the better chances with Mahdi Ben Dhifallah hitting several close efforts on target, but they failed to break the deadlock.
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