Korea's World Cup hero Ahn shines in J-League football

TOKYO, Nov 15 (AFP) - South Korea's World Cup hero Ahn Jung-Hwan struck to give Shimizu S-Pulse a 1-0 win over front-runners Urawa Red Diamonds in J-League football on Saturday.

Shimizu had to overcome a two-man disadvantage in the second half after Masaaki Sawanobori and Kazumichi Takagi received their second yellow cards.

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Urawa's Japan international defender Keisuke Tsuboi failed to stop a Shimizu cross, which Ahn quickly collected for the sole goal with only two minutes left on the clock.

"I had believed that we would be able to beat them by a counter-attack. I'm glad I took the chance. It was the first time for me to win like this," said a jubilant Ahn.

Urawa keep the lead in the standings on goal difference ahead of JEF United Ichihara, with 22 points each, followed by Kashima Antlers with 21. The pack is trailed by FC Tokyo, Jubilo Iwata, Yokohama Marinos, Gamba Osaka and Verdy Tokyo, all with 20 points.

Ahn's compatriot, Choi Yong-Soo also shone Saturday with his goal from a penalty in the 17th minute, enabling Ichihara to beat Cerezo Osaka 1-0.

Kashima staged a come-from-behind victory with Tomoyuki Hirase winning a decider in the 74th minute to beat the first-stage winners Yokohama 2-1, while Osaka downed Tokyo 1-0 thanks to Masashi Oguro's 34th-minute goal.

In other games, Kobe drew with Kashiwa Reysol 2-2, while Nagoya Grampus Eight fought it out to a goalless draw with Oita Trinita.

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