Finns fall short in Shizuoka
Saturday, February 18, 2006
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Japan 2-0 Finland A bizarre long-range effort from Mitsuo Ogasawara helped the FIFA World Cup finalists defeat Roy Hodgson's side.
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Japan 2-0 Finland 0
Kubo opener
There was little for the 40,000 supporters in the Shizuoka stadium to cheer about in the first half of this friendly match as Roy Hodgson's inexperienced side showed their battling qualities to thwart the home side. Japan started the second period brightly, though, and took the lead three minutes after the restart when Tatsuhiko Kubo captalised on some uncertain Finnish defending to score from close range.
Freak goal
Nine minutes later, Mitsuo Ogasawara doubled the lead with an extraordinary goal as what appeared to be a clearance floated over the unfortunate Finland goalkeeper Mikko Kavén and just under the crossbar. "We put up a good fight but Japan played well and fully deserved their victory," said Hodgson afterwards. "This was a good experience for our young players and I also hope Japan got what they were looking for from the match on their way to World Cup."