satta matka

Alberto Zaccheroni

The slightly-built ex-Cerezo Osaka star wasn’t the only Japanese player in good form, as Lierse SK goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima pulled off a series of impressive saves to deny the powerful Paraguay attack.

The display left Zaccheroni beaming as Japan’s fluid one-touch football thrilled the capacity crowd on hand, although the ease with which Paraguay ploughed through a porous back four will nevertheless give the much-travelled tactician some cause for concern.

Japan’s next Kirin Cup clash is against play bazaar Central American minnows Guatemala at Nagai Stadium in Osaka on Tuesday night, and with the feel-good factor having returned to Japanese football following their surprise showing in South Africa, officials can expect another big crowd to turn out for the affable Hara’s second and final match in charge.

Euro 2012 Qualifying Matches 7 Sept

In yesterday’s round of Euro 2012 qualifying games Portugal lost in Norway, while France put their qualification back on track with a win on the road in Sarajevo against Bosnia.

The Netherlands won 2-1 in Rotterdam against Finland, England won 3-1 in Switzerland and Italy hit 5 in Florence against the hapless Faroe Islands.

Scotland squeezed past Liechtenstein at Hampden in Group I, Ireland won in Dublin 3-1 against Andorra but Slovakia caused an upset with a 1-0 win in Moscow versus Russia.