Chile loses 4-0 to Japan at Kirin Cup match

SANTIAGO.- The Chilean national soccer team was defeated by Japan at the Nagai Stadium in Osaki with a score of 4-0. The match was part of the Kirin Cup, which also features the participation of Belgium.

Chile began the game on a positive note, with a great deal of enthusiasm and effort.  Nevertheless, the Chilean defense lost focus at some key points of the match, allowing Japan several opportunities to take advantage of the situation.

The center-forward for Japan, Okasaki, scored two goals in four minutes. At minute 52 of the match, defense player Abe took a corner shot and made a goal, complicating the scenario with a score of 3-0. Finally, at minute 90 of the game, offensive winger Honda came forward alone and scored the fourth goal.

This Friday (6:00 AM Chilean time), the national team led by Marcelo Bielsa will play its second and final match in the tournament against Belgium. The game will be the last event for the team before facing Paraguay and Bolivia (on the 6th and 10th of June, respectively) as part of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.