Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has made history in Japan, guiding Yokahama F. Marinos to their first J.League title since 2004.
Yokahama only needed to avoid a 4-0 defeat on the final matchday against second-placed FC Tokyo to seal the breakthrough championship and they finished the season in style, comprehensively beating Tokyo 3-0 at Nissan Stadium.
Even the second half sending off of Yokahama goalkeeper Park Iru-gyu didn't stop Postecoglou's side as two first-half goals effectively sealed the championship with 45 minutes to play.
The title caps off a remarkable season for Postecoglou, who took over as manager 18 months ago amid Yokahama's relegation battle. They eventually turned things around to finish 12th last year.
With a full pre-season under his belt, Postecoglou’s famous attacking style has turned heads in Japan this year and has ultimately proved successful, with Yokahama winning 22 times from 34 matches to finish seven points clear on top of the table.
The title is a pivotal moment in the 54-year-old’s coaching career after his tumultuous exit as Australian national team boss at the end of 2017.
Postecoglou becomes the first-ever Australian coach to win a J.League title and just the second Australian to do after Josh Kennedy won it as a player for Nagoya Grampus in 2010.