Japan's triple goal

Urawa Red Diamonds begin their title defence of the Asian Champions League when they clash with Kuwaiti club Al Qadsia in the first leg quarter finals tonight at the Mohammed al Hamad Stadium. Urawa, who drew a direct route to the knockout phase of the competition, are joined by two other Japanese clubs Gamba Osaka and J-League champions Kashima Antlers in the last eight. And coming together in a joint press conference, the three coaches - German Gert Engels, Brazilian Oswaldo Oliveira and Akira Nishino - were confident to keep Asia's premier club trophy in Japan.

Urawa's coach Engels said: "The possibilities of keeping the trophy in Japan is more with three Japanese teams in the last eight. But as defending champions we will try to defend the title." Oswaldo added: "It is an honour to have qualified with two other top Japanese clubs. I hope both finalists will be Japanese teams, and hopefully one of them will be Kashima." [e-mail]