Argentina bounce back, Italy held in friendlies
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-17 10:53

Japan, coached by former Brazilian great Zico, edged out first-time World Cup qualifiers Angola 1-0 in Tokyo thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute midfielder Daisuke Matsui.

"I think we dominated the game, but I would have felt more comfortable if we had scored earlier," said Zico.

"It's been a great year. We qualified for the World Cup, which was our main aim, and now we just have to strengthen the team for next year."

HOPES RAISED

Japan's neighbours South Korea also raised optimism for next year's finals with an impressive 2-0 victory over first time World Cup qualifiers Serbia & Montenegro in Seoul that maintained their unbeaten run under new coach Dick Advocaat.

The 2002 World Cup semi-finalists opened the scoring in the fifth minute when defender Choi Jin-cheul rose to meet Lee Eul-yong's free kick with a glancing header.

South Korea went 2-0 up early in the second half thanks to a superb solo effort from striker Lee Dong-gook who raced the length of the field before slamming in a low drive.

Tunisia, who will be appearing at their third consecutive World Cup finals, enjoyed a 2-1 victory over north African rivals Egypt.

Poland were 3-1 winners over Estonia while European champions Greece, who failed to reach the finals, scrambled a 2-1 victory at home to Hungary.

Cyprus beat Wales 1-0 in Limassol, a Welsh performance coach John Toshack described as: "the worst international performance I have ever witnessed. I was embarrassed by what I saw and feel sorry for our fans who came out to Cyprus to support us."