Japan opened its AFC U23 Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over China in Group B on Tuesday despite playing most of the game with 10 men.
DOHA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- With Kuryu Matsuki's early goal, a 10-man Japan team sailed to a 1-0 victory over China in the first round of group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup here on Tuesday.
The U23 Asian Cup is also a qualification tournament for the Paris Olympics. The top three finishers at the U23 Asian Cup will directly qualify for the Olympics, while the fourth-placed team will face Guinea in a play-off for the last Olympic spot.
Japan started strongly and broke the deadlock in the eighth minute, when Matsuki volleyed home after a diagonal cross from Fuki Yamada.
However, nine minutes later, the referee sent Japan defender Ryuya Nishio off for unsportsmanlike behavior, when he gave an elbow to Chinese midfielder Jia Feifan's face.
In the remaining time, the Chinese side tried to take the advantage of their numerical advantage. Although China had more ball possession back and created several chances, they failed to find an equalizer against Go Oiwa's side.
China will face South Korea and the United Arab Emirates respectively on Friday and next Monday. ■
