Kashima Antlers became the first Japanese side to reach the Club World Cup final when they beat Colombia's South American champions Atletico Nacional 3-0 on Wednesday.
Kashima's first goal came after 33 minutes when Shoma Doi converted a penalty given for an off-the-ball trip after video evidence was used for the first time to award a spot kick.
Yasushi Endo scored the Antlers' second after 83 minutes when he took advantage of an error by goalkeeper Franco Armani to backheel a loose ball into the empty net.
Atletico's heads went down and two minutes later substitute Yuma Suzuki, who had just come on, sidefooted home a third from close range after Mu Kazanaki's ball across the face of goal.
The result means the Japanese champions will face the winners of Thursday's semi-final between Real Madrid and Mexico's Club America. The final is scheduled for Sunday.
