Brazilian striker Emerson treated himself to an early birthday present with two goals as holders Urawa Reds came from behind to beat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-2 to move into the semifinals of the Nabisco Cup on Saturday.
Urawa, which claimed its first major trophy by beating Kashima Antlers in last year's final, will meet Nagoya Grampus Eight while FC Tokyo takes on local rival Tokyo Verdy in the semifinals on Oct. 9.
Defending J. League champion Yokohama took the lead in the 13th minute when Daisuke Oku crashed a superb free kick in off the underside of the crossbar but the Reds quickly hit back with a well taken finish from Koji Yamase at a rain-swept Saitama Stadium 2002.
Yuichiro Nagai squandered a glorious chance to put Urawa in front soon after Yamase's strike when he smacked his shot from close range against the bar but made amends by setting up Emerson to stab home his first of the night in the 38th minute.