Hype or no hype, Japan take no chances

Hype or no hype, Japan take no chances
Aminul Islam

KOLKATA, JANUARY 10: The City of Joy has the reputation of being the Mecca of Indian football and it’s football-loving people, its worthy worshippers. But surprisingly on Wednesday, when All India Football Federation’s much-hyped Sahara Cup finally took off, not more than 5,000-odd spectators turned up at the recently-renovated Yuba Bharti Krirangan here.

Japan, the reigning Asian Cup champions, had no problems in putting it across a none-too-impressive Uzbekistan in the tournament opener. The verdict was a sweet 2-0 victory. Ohta Keisuke found the target a minute before the interval, while Horinouchi Satochi rounded off the tally eight minutes before the final whistle.

The inexperience of the team notwithstanding the Japanese team comprises more university players its approach remained positive. Although Japan took time to settle down, they broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. Hardworking striker Fukai Masaki darted down the right, hoodwinked his marker and executed a left-footer from inside the six-yard box which kissed the upright.

Ohta Keisuke, who was lurking nearby, capitalised on the rebound with a powerful volley which beat Uzbek goalkeeper Oleg Kaharov hands down. The success pepped up the entire team, which otherwise looked off-colour, after change of ends. Japan played with a purpose and added more firepower in their attack which stretched the Uzbek defence.

It fetched them the second goal following a freekick from the edge the six-yard box in the 72nd minute. Horinouchi Satochi tapped home after skipper Hirakawa Tadaaki initiated the shot.

On the other hand, the Central Asians and former Asian Games champions, had nothing to offer in the match but only a couple of feeble attempts. And on both the occasions, striker Aleksey Zhdanov’s attempts once each in eitehr session were parried by an agile Japanese goalkeeper Tkahara Toshiyasu.

Cameroon pullout forces AIFF write to FIFA
KOLKATA:THE All India Football Federation (AIFF) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA, the world governing body, following the last minute withdrawal of Olympic champions Cameroon from the Sahara Cup.It may be mentioned that a delegation from Cameroon had confirmed their participation during a press conference at New Delhi in late November. Prince Mukate, vice-secretary general of the Football Federation of Cameroon, had promised to send their ‘best possible’ side for the tournament so as to ensure that “they added one more trophy to their kit” after the Olympic gold triumph at the Sydney Games.

Cameroon were clubbed with Romania, Jordan and Hong Kong in Group III and were scheduled to play with Hong Kong at Margao, Goa, on Friday. Earlier, Iraq had opted out on Monday throwing the tournament into total disarray.

Indonesia debarred
Kochi:The Sahara Millennium Super Soccer Cup tournament, plagued with problems right from the start, received yet another jolt when Indonesia was debarred from the tournament for including foreigners in the team in violation of the competition rules. The decision to debar Indonesia was announced here this evening by All India Football Federation secretary alberto colaco. The team had come here with seven foreigners in its ranks On monday.

The Indonesian squad included four Australians, two Thais and a Cameroon player, which was against Article 6 of the competition rules which said ‘all players shall be subjects of their country.’

According to Kerala Football Association sources here, the Indonesian team officials were handed over a letter this morning pointing out the violation of the rule.

They were given time till this evening to bring replacements and also offered a postponment of their match against India tomorrow. But the Indonesians expressed their inability and the decision to debar them was taken, the sources said.