China miss penalty in draw with Japan
Reuters - Saturday 06 February 2010, 13:44
TOKYO - China missed a late penalty in a
goalless draw with World Cup-bound Japan in the opening match of
the East Asian championship on Saturday.
Seigo Narazaki brilliantly saved Yang Hao's spot-kick to
salvage a point for the hosts but the result will increase the
mounting pressure on Japan coach Takeshi Okada.
The Blue Samurai were once again booed from the pitch in
freezing Tokyo after a similar reaction to their 0-0 draw with
Venezuela in a home friendly this week.
"We have to accept the jeering," Okada told reporters.
"Improving the team is my job and I think we have improved.
"We created several chances and defensively we were very
solid. The booing we have to use to motivate us."
Japan's best chance came in the 54th minute when right back
Atsuto Uchida smashed a shot against the post after a strong run
but moments later China were almost gifted the lead.
Rong Hao's cross from the left was spilled by Narazaki and
almost dribbled over the line before defender Tulio dived in to
hook the ball clear.
CLOSE SHAVE
Striker Yoshito Okubo's late volley was blocked as the
Japanese were sparked into life by their penalty escape but
Okada's side again lacked a cutting edge.
China could have been in front by half-time after Rong's
fierce blast shaved the post in the 33rd minute.
Okada insisted Japan were the better side despite their
failure to deliver any end product.
"We were very excellent at the back," said Okada, who has
come under fire since his bold declaration that Japan's target
at this year's World Cup in South Africa was the semi-finals.
"It's a shame we didn't get the three points but the players
did well. We must make sure we get three points against Hong
Kong before we play South Korea in the last game."
China coach Gao Hongbo claimed a moral victory.
"We played better football," he said. "But they hit the post
and we missed a penalty so 0-0 is a fair result."
World Cup qualifiers and East Asian title holders South
Korea face Hong Kong on Sunday in the second game of the
four-team tournament.