Gamba coach hails 'dream' first Asian title

Gamba Osaka coach Akira Nishino praised his players after the Japanese side's clinical dismissal of Adelaide United in the Asian Champions League final.

Gamba won 2-0 in Adelaide on Wednesday, two early strikes from Brazilian forward Lucas completing a 5-0 aggregate victory.

The J-League club's reward is a place in next month's FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, involving European champions Manchester United among others.

"I asked the players to kill off the tie in the first half and they carried out the game plan to perfection," Nishino told yesterday's Japanese media.

"We found our rhythm early in the game and decided the outcome quicker than I expected. I couldn't be more delighted."

Gamba's triumph could even prompt renewed calls for the well-respected Nishino to take over as coach of Japan following a string of unconvincing 2010 World Cup qualifying performances.

The Japan Football Association recently gave incumbent Takeshi Okada a vote of confidence after the side's 1-1 home draw with Uzbekistan last month.

Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo was voted player of the tournament after orchestrating last week's 3-0 home win over Adelaide and the semi-final defeat of holders Urawa Reds.

"Our Japanese rivals Urawa won it last year and I knew it would be Gamba's turn this season," said Endo. "We came in with confidence and the margin of victory demonstrates that."