Despite disaster Japanese clubs shine in Asia
Associated Press, Seoul | Thu, 05/12/2011 8:02 AM
Despite major disruptions caused by the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, all four Japanese teams ave progressed to the second round of the 2011 Asian Champions League.
With 32 teams from all over the Asian Football Confederation split into eight groups of four, Gamba Osaka finished top of its group while Nagoya Grampus, Kashima Antlers and Cerezo Osaka finished second to progress to the last 16.
The second round on May 24 and 25 does not consist of the usual home and away matches, but is a single leg played at the home of the group winners.
It has been a tough few weeks for everyone in Japan, including the football clubs. The J-League was just one game old when the earthquake forced a suspension of games until April 23.
