The Hindu : Sport / Football : Japanese colts win

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 26, 2006

Sport

Sport - Football

Japanese colts win

Principal Correspondent

Bangalore: In a match marred by poor finishing, the Japan under-20 team at last found its moment of redemption in the 76th minute to defeat India under-20 by a solitary goal in a practice match here at the Football Stadium. Until that moment when Aoki Kota scored the decisive goal, the visitor frittered away its chances despite its obvious possessional superiority. Kota, substituting for Morimoto Takayuki, headed in Umesaki's floater from the left extreme to help Japan edge ahead.

Earlier in the first half, Morimoto's efforts to score came to nought as he either belatedly reacted to the passes flowing in from the mid-field or found strong resistance in the host goalkeeper Souvik Mandal, who was harried all through the match as the Indian defence was found wanting.

In the second half, both teams opted for a slew of substitutions and it worked for Japan as Kota scored the crucial goal.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail