Japan beats India

Bangalore, May 25 (UNI) Visiting Japanese Under 19 team failed to meet expectations, despite registering a 1-0 win against India XI in their first exhibition match played at the Bangalore Football Stadium here today.

The visitors, who began on a rosy note, failed to maintain tempo and at the end of the play and doled out an ordinary display, much to the disppointment of the fans. They missed a couple of chances, thanks mainly to India XI custodian Souvik Mandal who scuttled an attempt by striker Morimoto Takayuki in the 15th minute.

Substitute Havenaar Mike failed to properly aim and missed a clear chance in the 72nd minute. The header close to the post went wide.

Referee Irfanullah Khan was forced to show yellow cards to both Indian Under 19 forward Ramluha and Japan striker Aoyama Jun as both got engaged in a verbal duel, despite getting a warning in the 70th minute.

The all-important goal came in the 76th minute when forward Aoki Kola superbly netted the ball by heading a pass from mid-fielder Umesaki Tsukasa.

The India Under 19 team displayed their superb skill in defence, especially during the first half. However, they had to blame themselves as they failed in proper field understanding and caused delay in taking the ball to the opposition's goal mouth.

The Japanese team, selected to play in the Asian Youth (U20) Football Championship scheduled to be played here during October/November, arrived here on Monday to acquaint itself to the weather conditions and boarding facilities.

The visitors would be playing their second exhibition match against local HAL team tomorrow and the third and final match against India Under 19 again on May 28.

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