3 Jan 2003(Fri)

When Teruaki Kurobe scored his spectacular deciding goal in the Emperor's Cup final, he did much more than win an historic first trophy for Kyoto Purple Sanga.

He gave hope to all Kansai clubs that they are capable of challenging for honors next season and breaking the domination of the Big Two: Jubilo Iwata and Kashima Antlers.

Kurobe sealed Kyoto's exciting 2-1 victory over Antlers with a sizzling left-foot shot from the edge of the box which flew into the top corner, past goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata.

It came after 80 minutes, leaving Kyoto with only 10 minutes to negotiate and deny Japan's cup kings from Kashima of a Nabisco Cup and Emperor's Cup double.

Kyoto held on to spark wild scenes of celebration, not just from the Kyoto fans but all the neutrals.

After all, it's a refreshing change to see a new name on the famous old trophy, spreading the glory around Japan.

So it was a proud day for Kurobe, for Kyoto and for Kansai in general, as it represented the first success by a Kansai club since the J.League kicked off in 1993.

Gamba Osaka, one of the league's 10 founding members, plus Cerezo Osaka, Purple Sanga and Vissel Kobe had never won a major title between them: meaning J.League overall championship, Nabisco Cup and Emperor's Cup.

Antlers, in contrast, went into the final with nine major titles since 1993: four league championships, three Nabisco Cups and two Emperor's Cups.

And Jubilo Iwata have won three league championships, including this season, and one Nabisco Cup.

Looking back on Purple Sanga's win, Kurobe stressed the importance of the victory for the whole of the Kansai region.

"I think this trophy can stimulate all the clubs in Kansai next season," he said.

"Today we were the challengers and it would have been a natural result if we had lost.

"But when the game kicked off I think our energy and determination to win the trophy were evident.

"We have proved that we can come from a low position and win a title, and I think this should give more confidence to the Kansai region next season.

"Personally, after this, I cannot wait for next season to kick off!"

Antlers looked capable of killing the game once Brazilian striker Euller had headed home from close range after 15 minutes when Atsushi Yanagisawa's delicate chip had struck the crossbar.

But the decision of Kyoto's German manager Gert Engels to move his South Korean World Cup star Park Ji Sung from the right wing to a free role behind the strikers paid dividends in the second half.

After just five minutes of the second period, Park stole in to head home a right-wing free kick from Shingo Suzuki.

This changed the whole complexion of the game, and Kyoto pushed forward with an impressive five-man strikeforce, spearheaded by Kurobe.

When the center forward saw his chance for glory after 80 minutes, he took it in confident style.

It was a memorable day for Kyoto, and hopefully this can be the catalyst for a more competitive league next season now that Kansai has broken through this psychological barrier.

ends