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 Amaglug-glug
failed to rally against the Japanese in their opening game of the
Sydney Olympic soccer tournament in Canberra on Thursday, losing
2-1.
Japan’s spirit and determination made them the superior side,
with the score being an accurate reflection of their dominance.
After each side scored once in the first half, Japan managed to
break the goal deadlock as the dangerous Naohiro Takahara scored his
second goal of the match to put his team ahead.
South Africa had only near misses as after the break, as they
seemed to have lost either their spirit or concentration, listlessly
handing Japan plenty of free kicks due to poor discipline.
Amaglug-glug’s first-half goal came from a brilliant cross by
Benni McCarthy which was headed into the top left corner of the net
by Kaizer Chiefs star Nomvete, putting South Africa 1-0 ahead after
35 minutes.
Japan returned with a spirited attack, keeping goalkeeper Emile
Baron busy as they became determined to not lose too much ground to
the South Africans.
Their efforts paid off when Takahara headed the ball past Baron
from a free kick to bring the score to 1-1 just before the half time
whistle. (Sapa)
Team:
Baron - McCarthy, Booth, Mokoena, Kannemeyer - Matombo
(Fredericks), Fortune, Buckley (Pule), Nteo - Nomvete (Nhleko),
McCarthy
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