The side from Korea Republic had travelled to Kashima Soccer Stadium looking to frustrate their hosts and their defence-first approach paid off in a first half that featured few clear-cut opportunities for either side.

Elber could only find the side-netting with his 13th minute strike while Cavric was off target with a right-footed attempt from 15 yards out, firing high and wide having been played into a scoring position by Koike.

Oniki introduced Yuma Suzuki from the bench at the start of the second half in an effort to inject attacking thrust into his team and the striker’s preparedness to press the defence almost paid dividends in the 58th minute.

The Pohang backline coughed up possession deep inside their own half to set up Cavric to try his luck from 30 yards out but the shot flew wide.

Pohang had offered little as an attacking force until that point but a minute later the visitors almost took the lead, Jakob Tranziska heading narrowly wide of Tomoki Hayakawa’s left post with the goalkeeper at full stretch.

Cavric’s scuffed effort caused Hwang no issues in the 66th minute but three minutes later Pohang’s resistance was broken by Koike’s improvised finish.

Bueno swung his right-footed centre into the penalty area from the left and, as the ball bounced up off the turf, Koike steered beyond Hwang, who was well off his line, with his chest.

Six minutes later the home side doubled their lead with Suzuki involved again, the forward laying Hayakawa’s clearance into the path of Haruki Hayase who set up Cavric to score, the striker netting at the second attempt having initially hit the post.

Bueno added the third in the 88th minute when he poked home from close range at a corner as Kashima comfortably claimed the points.