Club World Cup wrap: Kashiwa, Al-Sadd into semis

Kashiwa Reysol booked a Club World Cup semi-final with Santos after beating Monterrey 5-4 on penalties, while Al-Sadd must face Barcelona.

J.League champions Kashiwa led their quarter-final against Mexican club Monterrey 1-0 courtesy of a Leandro Domingues goal in the 52nd minute of Sunday’s match at Toyota Stadium.

Monterrey levelled five minutes later through Humberto Suazo.

Neither side proved capable of finding a winner in regulation or extra-time, forcing the match to be decided by a penalty shootout.

And while Junya Tanaka failed to convert Kashiwa’s fourth penalty, two misses from Luis Ernesto Perez and Jonathan Orozco cost Monterrey a spot in the last four.

Also on Sunday, Asian Champions League winners Al-Sadd defeated Esperance of Tunisia 2-1.

Khalfan Al Khalfan and Abdulla Koni were on target either side of half-time for Qatari club Al-Sadd.

Ousama Darragi did get one back for Esperance, but they were unable to find an equaliser in the time remaining.

Kashiwa advance to meet 2011 Copa Libertadores winners Santos in the first semi-final on Wednesday, while Al-Sadd will now take on La Liga and European champions Barcelona a day later.