News

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

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.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“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)
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.

Recent Posts

WNBA To Continue Transgender Athlete Discussions After 2 Ex-NBA Players Declare for Draft Saying They Now Identify As Women

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams Friday afternoon addressing the league's ongoing…

13 hours ago

Rodri Transfer Battle Intensifies As Real Madrid & Barcelona Compete For Spain Star

The race for Rodri has developed into one of the most intriguing transfer battles of…

14 hours ago

Raiders Hold QB Kirk Cousins & Maxx Crosby Out Of Practice a Day After Scuffle

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby were held out…

14 hours ago

Florida State Seminoles 2026-2027 Season Outlook: Schedule, Odds & Tickets

Coming off a disappointing 2–10 campaign in 2024, the Florida State Seminoles entered 2025 expecting…

2 days ago

Roger Craig Uses Hall Of Fame Ceremony To Disclose Vascular Dementia Diagnosis Due To Concussions From His 11-Year Career

Roger Craig turned what should have been a purely celebratory night into a moment of…

2 days ago

Ex-NBA Player Royce White Becomes 2nd Man To Declare For WNBA Draft This Week – But Motivation Is GOP Senate Primary Bid

Royce White, the former NBA first-round pick now running for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, announced…

2 days ago