| Twice winners Argentina, fancied by many for this World Cup, opened their
Group H campaign with a less than impressive 1-0 triumph against Japan in the
Stade Municipal, Toulouse. Gabriel Batistuta's world-class finish after 28 minutes
secured all three points for Daniel Passarella's star-studded side who were
pushed all the way by their Far Eastern rivals. The Japanese, in their first
appearance in the finals, more than held their own against the Argentines in the
opening exchanges and looked a tidy, well-drilled outfit with plenty of pace
throughout the side. Nakata in midfield has been dubbed as the "Gazza of
Japan", and the man with the dyed orange hair was the kingpin in the centre of
the park whilst defenders Ihara and Akita dealt admirably early on with the
threat of Batistuta and Ortega. A piece of good fortune led to Argentina taking
the lead when the ball broke kindly to the feet of Batistuta, but there was nothing
lucky about the goal as the striker known as the "Angel Gabriel" took his goal
tally to 43 for his country with a divine finish. Batistuta then struck the woodwork
with a superb header ten minutes later, but the Japanese refused to be
intimidated and continued to push forward for the remainder of the half. After
the interval the game opened up with Japan defending resolutely and working
very hard to a man as they restricted Argentina time and space on the ball.
Nakata became even more influential the longer the match went on and apart
from a couple of scares from the numerous free-kicks awarded by an over fussy
official, Argentina's closest effort came when Batistuta hit a post but was
adjudged offside. The Japanese, full of self belief, pushed forward for the
equaliser and went close when Akita's header across the face of goal just evaded
onrushing team-mates, before Lopes goalbound shot was blocked by a last-ditch
tackle. Argentina will be delighted with the points following a below-par showing
and will be glad to see the backs of the Japanese who made life very difficult for
them and did their fanatical supporters proud. |
