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Kashima Beats Atletico Nacional 3-0 In FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals

SUITA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 14: Mu Kanazaki of Kashima Antlers runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup Japan semi-final match between Atletico Nacional and Kashima Antlers at Suita City Football Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Suita, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Japan’s Kashima Antlers defeated Atletico Nacional 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals in Suita, Japan, on Wednesday, their first goal coming on a penalty awarded after video replay, the first-ever such penalty in FIFA history.

Kashima Beats Atletico Nacional 3-0 In FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals

Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai stopped the game in the 32nd minute after Kashima midfielder Gaku Shibasaki sent in a free kick, and teammate Daigo Nishi was fouled inside the box by Atletico forward Orlando Berrio.

Kassai’s assistant alerted him of the incident, and the referee walked to the sidelines to get another look at the play on a monitor. He then signaled for Kashima to take the penalty.

Shoma Doi converted for 1-0.

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“It did stop the flow of the game,” Kashima coach Masatada Ishii said. “But if they make a clear judgment using video assistant referees (VARs) then that is a good thing. Of course, if they use it many times during a game then that is something we need to think about.”

Yasushi Endo back-heeled in the 83rd minute, and then Yuma Suzuki scored the third goal two minutes later.

Kashima are now the first Asian team to reach the final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Club America on Sunday.

The replay system allows officials to stop games to review footage of “game-changing decisions.” They can also rely on information being fed by video assistant referees (VARs) watching broadcast feeds off the field.

Live tests are scheduled to be expanded globally in 2017 with a decision anticipated by the following year on VARs becoming a permanent feature. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has observed recent off-line trials with VARs at Italy games, wants video replays to be used at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The system was introduced last week at the beginning of the Club World Cup, but wasn’t used until Wednesday’s game.

Atletico had several scoring opportunities, with the best coming in the final minute of the first half when Jhon Mosquera hit the crossbar.

“In the first half Berrio collided with a player,” Atletico coach Reinaldo Rueda said afterward. “It was not intentional and the player did fall and that led to their first goal. Because of that, our discipline was disturbed. Normally, we can maintain our discipline.”

Earlier, Asian champion Jeonbuk Motors routed African club Mamelodi Sundowns to claim fifth place.

SUITA, JAPAN – DECEMBER 14: Mu Kanazaki of Kashima Antlers runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup Japan semi-final match between Atletico Nacional and Kashima Antlers at Suita City Football Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Suita, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

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Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.