Jubilo Iwata beat Shenzen Jian Libao

Iwata:

Jubilo Iwata of Japan thrashed Shenzen Jian Libao of China 3-0 in Group E of the Asian Champions League but will still bow out of the tournament. In Wednesday's clash in Shizuoka, Japan, substitute striker Yoshiaki Ohta scored twice in the second half while Kelsuke Funatani added another one for the hosts. Playing for pride Jubilo's dismal performance in the earlier games meant that they were playing merely for pride, with no chance of advancing to the knockout stages. However, Jubilo did not lack charisma as the game got underway. Their Brazilian import Rodrigo Gral made the early running for the hosts and came close with a stunning strike in the 20th minute. Gral's dipping shot from the left flank hit the cross bar and bounced back into play. The 28-year old had a second chance to put his team ahead in the 28th minute - Robert Cullen made a quick run through the right and crossed for Gral, who could only produce a weak shot from close range. Early in the second half, Shenzen had a good chance to grab the lead. Togo-born striker Djima Oyawole was in the clear but shot across the face of the goal from edge of the area. That provided the spur Jubilo needed to muster the opening goal, with Cullen again carving through the Shenzen defence before passing to an unmarked Kelsuke Funatani, who found the back of the net. Yoshiaki scores twice The hosts then took total control of the game when substitute striker Yoshiaki Ohta scored twice in quick succession. In the 79th minute, Funatani ran down the middle and crossed to Ohta who made no mistake from close range. Five minutes later, Ohta was yet again left unmarked and the striker unleashed a brilliant low drive from 20 yards to find the corner of the net. So it was a 3-0 consolation win for Jubilo. Shenzen, despite the loss, will take on group E leaders Suwon Bluewings of Korea in the final match of the qualifying round later this month. Shenzen's first loss leaves them three points behind group leaders Suwon Bluewings of Korea - Jubilo is in third spot with no chance of advancing to the knockout stages. (AP)