Japan XI trounces India XI

Bangalore, May 25 (UNI) Visiting Japanese 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 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 India XI Forward Ramluha and Japan striker Aoyama Jun as both 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 by heading a pass from mid-fielder Umesaki Tsukasa.

The India XI 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 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 XI on May 28.

UNI MSP RG RKN1956