Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao scored in his Japan debut on Saturday, helping his new side Kawasaki Frontale open the season on a winning note by beating Urawa Reds 1-0 in the Fuji Xerox Super Cup.
Kawasaki, the reigning J-League champions, had several chances to score over the Emperor's Cup holders before halftime, but it was Damiao's 52nd-minute shot that lifted them to their maiden Fuji Xerox Super Cup title in front of a sold-out Saitama Stadium.
The game is the annual curtain-raising exhibition between the league champions and the winners of the Emperor's Cup.
Frontale midfielder Kengo Nakamura failed to capitalize on Damiao's header in front of the goal, but the former Brazil international shot the loose ball past goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.
"I'm really glad. I'm happy that I was able to lead the team to their first title," he said. "I'm very thankful that everyone gave me a warm welcome when I arrived in Japan."
"I know we are a strong team so I want to display our strength during the season," he added.
Damiao, the top scorer at the 2012 London Olympics with six goals, joined Kawasaki from Brazilian club Internacional on a contract running until Jan. 1, 2020.
Kawasaki manager Toru Oniki said his side got off to a flying start as Frontale aim to dominate all four titles -- the J-League, the Asian Champions League, the Emperor's Cup and the YBC Levain Cup -- this season.
"Winning this match in strong form means a lot as we aim to win titles at cup tournaments," Oniki said. "The side controlled the match well. We will prepare for the season without being overconfident. We need to keep improving."
Both sides fought aggressively from the beginning until the final whistle, but the Reds were unable to display the strong form that saw them win both their league matches against Frontale last season.
"There was nothing I could do and it made me feel like I'm not good at playing soccer," Urawa captain Yosuke Kashiwagi said.
Urawa had a chance to open the scoring in front of their home fans in the 23rd minute on a free kick by Kashiwagi. He crossed to Tomoaki Makino only for the Japan defender to miss the target.
Frontale fought back seven minutes later. With Damiao drawing a crowd of four defenders in the penalty area, Frontale captain Yu Kobayashi missed a wide-open shot.
Kawasaki lost to Cerezo Osaka 3-2 at last year's season-opening Fuji Xerox Super Cup but finished atop the 18-team J-League table for the second year in a row. The Reds finished fifth.
Cerezo Osaka will host Vissel Kobe in this season's J-League opener on Friday at Yanmar Stadium. Kawasaki will open their campaign Saturday against FC Tokyo at Todoroki Stadium, while Urawa will face Vegalta Sendai at Yurtec Stadium.
