Japan thrash Korea 2-0

Bangalore, Oct 29 (UNI) Strong contenders Japan began their campaign on a rousing note downing a spirited Korea 2-0 in the opening match of the Bangalore leg of the Asian Youth Championship at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here today.

Despite taking time to settle down, the lads from the land of rising Sun, took control and quelled the late surge by Koreans who had the better of exchanges in the latter half.

The winners led 1-0 at the breather in the Group C encounter.

Striker Kazuhisa Kawahara opened the account for Japan netting from just outside the box in the 32nd minute, after latching on to a pass from Yasuhito Morishima. In the second half, Yosuke Kashiwagi completed the tally lapping up a fine pass from Kawahara, who proved to be a thorn in the flesh for Korean defence. The fine move from the striker left the Korean custodian Min Kwang Ju and two defenders as mere spectators.

Japan missed a couple of chances that came their way in the first ten minutes. Midfielder Masaki Yamamoto failed to aim properly and the ball missed the post by a whisker. Another chance went abegging when Morishima's feeble kick was saved well Ju after the striker was put on with a superb pass by Yamamoto in the 30th minute.

After breather, Korean lads made a gritty turnaround and even took full control of the proceedings for quite some time. However, the strong Japanese defence proved tough to beat. Korean strikers also lacked cohesion upfront that proved to be their undoing.

Two Korean players were booked with yellow cards by referee Abdul Hameed Ebrahm. Midfielder Kum Kim was hauled up for obstructing Atomo Tanaka in the 24th minute, while forward Min Chol Jong in the was penalised in the 58th minute for obstructing midfielder Jun Aoyama.

UNI MSP RS AY VC1955