[A-List] Russia's Lost to Japan

[Sabri Oncu <soncu@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I guess this was what prompted your mail Henry.

By the way, I watched the Turkey - Costa Rica game last night. It
was a mediocre game I must say. A big disappointment for Turkey
who is hungry for a victory of any kind. A Turkish football
commentator, very angry at the Korean referee who gave that
penalty in favour of Brazil past Monday, wrote the other day: "We
fought a war for the South Koreans and this is what we get in
return."

This is probably the most interesting World Cup I have ever
watched since the 1970s, although not necessarily one of the best
as far as football quality goes. To me Pele is still the best
football player. I loved him. At least, it was Pele's team to
which we lost that game and we did not do that bad either. And I
am happy for that.

Best,
Sabri

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Japan Upsets Russia; Russians Riot
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


Filed at 1:30 p.m. ET


YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- Japan's victory over Russia set off
jubilant celebrations in the co-host nation of the World Cup. It
also set off the worst kind of reaction in Moscow.

Russian fans angered by the 1-0 loss Sunday went on a rampage,
overturning cars and setting them on fire in the center of the
city. At least one man was killed, and the Interfax news agency
said five music students from Japan were beaten.

An Associated Press photographer saw a mutilated corpse lying on
the street during the chaos, which erupted across a square from
the Kremlin walls and lasted for more than an hour.

Officials said 27 people were hospitalized.

The scene was vastly different in the streets of Yokohoma, where
the Japanese won a World Cup game for the first time. They were
0-3 in their debut four years ago. Drivers honked horns and
pedestrians chanted "Nippon, Nippon," waving flags and jerseys.

Japan was cheered on at the site of the June 30 championship game
by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

"I think we've changed the view people have of Japanese soccer
with this victory," said Junichi Inamoto, who scored the goal.
"But we still have to advance to the next round."

That could come Friday if they tie or beat Tunisia. The Tunisians
played Belgium on Monday at Oita, Japan.

Spanish players partied, waiting for the rest of the World Cup to
catch up with them. Spain was the first team to qualify for the
second round.

Brazil matched that Sunday and it didn't even play -- Costa
Rica's 1-1 tie with Turkey ensured its advance and eliminated
China.

When Mexico beat Ecuador 2-1 and Costa Rica tied, it improved
CONCACAF's record to 4-0-1. Long considered one of the weakest
regions in FIFA, its spotless mark was on the line Monday when
the United States played host South Korea in Daegu.

South Korea President Kim Dae-jung was not scheduled to attend
the game. FIFA spokesman Walter Gagg, in charge of stadiums and
security, said security would be "much tougher than all the
matches before. They will not be afraid, but they will be very,
very careful."

Aside from possible terrorism, authorities want to head off
protests against the United States. U.S. military bases in the
country cause some friction, and Koreans still are upset over the
Olympic short track speedskating race where a South Korean
disqualification let American Apolo Anton Ohno win gold.

South Korean organizers said Sunday they planned to sell 7,028
tickets for the U.S.-South Korea match to fans at the stadium
hours before the game. About 3,600 tickets were leftovers
allotted for fans outside the co-host nation. The rest were seats
with obstructed views.

Also Monday, Portugal played Poland in Jeonju, South Korea.

Mexico won its second straight for the first time in a World Cup
on Gerardo Torrado's 57th-minute goal. But to reach the second
round, it needs at least a draw with Italy, or help from Ecuador
against Croatia on Thursday.

" We are still hopeful we can win the final match against Italy
and go on to the next round," midfielder Joahan Rodriguez said.

Costa Rica's tie came on Winston Parks' nifty left-footed shot in
the 86th minute.

"I was ready and just wanted to show why everyone has put so much
confidence in me," Parks said. "My family and girlfriend told me
I'd have a chance and I'd take advantage."

Against Mexico, Ecuador's Agustin Delgado headed home a cross
from Ulises De la Cruz in the fifth minute, scoring newcomer
Ecuador's first goal in the World Cup. Mexico's Jared Borgetti
tied it in the 28th minute.

"We're just happy that our chances of advancing now depend on
us," said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre. "This was an even match
and either team could have won."