Japan start the strongest, determined to qualify for the
Second Round.
For the first fifteen minutes it was all Japan, earning a
number of free-kicks but failing to put the host nation in front.
Then Tunisia started to find some rhythm, putting some nice
passes together but not getting a goal either.
Junichi Inamoto tried to impose himself a little more on
the game.... as Japan were still searching for a goal, with half an hour gone.
Half-time: Tunisia 0 -- Japan 0
-- GOAL -- 0-1
The half-time pep talk worked wonders as Japan took an early second-half lead through
substitute Hiroaki Morishima -- 48 mins.
Hiroaki Morishima almost made it two when he headed onto
the post five minutes later.
Japan continued to push forward, with Koji Nakata
threatening twice..... just after the hour mark.
-- GOAL -- 0-2
Daisuke Ichikara crossed from the right for Hidetoshi Nakata to head
through Ali Boumnijel's legs -- 75 mins.
Japan's fans could let their hair down and throw away the
masks....... their team had qualified for a place in the Second
Round.... as Group H winners.
