Japan 0 - 1 Sporting (382943629)

Clear skies welcomed the 28031 spectators who had made their way to X Japan Arena. Theobald Kotfleisch was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Staszek Downarowicz and Rino Sutamto. Japan had chosen a strategic 5-4-1 formation. The following players had been chosen: Sáenz Malo - Vinyer, Molayi, Otero, Gary, Duran - Nevala, Robles, Gullby, Tosto - Mendariz.

Sporting decided to use a 4-3-3 set up. The following players took the field: Allik - De Vos, Ercilla, Torres, Haanpää - Aljančič, van Drongelen, Torres Losada - Tsenteradze, Falbierski, van Elst.

Japan clearly had decided to counter-attack when they could. For their match strategy, Sporting had decided to use their ability to counter-attack whenever possible. R. Briñas was called on to replace Sporting's A. Allik after 27 minutes following a nasty collision. Sporting's counterattacks created a good chance for M. van Elst on the right after 30 minutes, but he could only look on with dismay as his strike rebounded off the crossbar. After 32 minutes, following yet another great corner, B. Gullby's flick on at the near post reached D. Gary, who was just wide with his snapshot - the ball went out for a goal kick. 36 minutes of the match played, and a comedy of errors by the home side gave the visitors a chance at the lead, but F. Falbierski, after finding himself dashing down on goal from the left with only the keeper to beat, sliced his shot horribly wide. Sporting were pushed back, and had many dangerous counterattacks. An impressive one came 39 minutes into the match, but D. van Drongelen narrowly missed the free kick attempt that was awarded as a result of a foul. After a fine move down the middle D. Gary nearly gave the home side a goal after 41 minutes. However the finishing shot went just wide. It was 0 - 0 at the break. Possession in the forty-five minutes was dominated by Japan, with 62 percent of the ball.

Sporting played a good counterattacking move down the left 54 minutes into the match, with P. Ercilla finishing well for 0 - 1. Sporting's R. Torres got himself booked for a foul. Sporting mounted an inspired counterattack down the right wing after 68 minutes, but R. Torres was unable to convert from short range. Japan claimed to have seen most of the ball, and the statistics agreed with them - possession being 61 percent.

The most dominating Japan player was without a doubt A. Mendariz. B. Gullby on the other hand, had a terrible day. Sporting's best player was M. van Elst. However, R. Briñas made a disastrous appearance. The match ends 0 - 1.