Snap, Crackle, Nabisco Cup

Gamba Osaka have won the 2007 Nabisco League Cup in Japan, beating Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 in front of 41,569 fans at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

Japan under-20 international Michihiro Yasuda scored the only goal of the game, sliding in at the far post to produce a scrappy finish to Bare's low cross.

Gamba had to withstand an early onslaught from Kawasaki - who were playing in only their second major final, but ultimately the Osakans deserved their win.

They were denied a seemingly cast-iron penalty by referee Toshimitsu Yoshida midway through the first half when Kawasaki shot-stopper Eiji Kawashima up-ended Gamba midfielder Takahiro Futagawa inside the box.

Gamba also hit the post through their elusive Brazilian marksman Magno Alves in the second half, as they eventually began to assert their superiority.

Gamba's next appointment is a Fourth Round Emperor's Cup clash with J2 strugglers Montedio Yamagata on November 7, but for the rest of the Japan, the Emperor's Cup action takes place this weekend.

With Urawa Reds hosting Shikoku side Ehime FC of J2 and Omiya Ardija taking on J1 cellar dwellars Yokohama FC, there's a potential Saitama derby looming on the horizon in the next round.

Elsewhere there's an all J1 clash between JEF United and Oita Trinita, while Yokohama F. Marinos take on Japan Football League high-fliers Sagawa Kyubin. There's an Ibaraki derby between neighbours Kashima Antlers and Mito Hollyhock, while Sagan Tosu travel to the crucible of Big Swan Stadium for their clash with Albirex Niigata.

The students of Juntendo University and Meiji University are also still involved. Juntendo knocked out J2 promotion hopefuls Vegalta Sendai in Round Three to book themselves a date with Jubilo Iwata, while Meiji University take on Jubilo's local rivals Shimizu S-Pulse, after Meiji University beat Kyoto Sanga FC in the last round.

The action wraps up on Wednesday night when Gamba clashes with Montedio Yamagata, while Kawasaki Frontale have a tough looking contest with J2 side Cerezo Osaka to contend with.