DÜSSELDORF, Jun 4 (SW) - A goal just after kickoff by Keiji Tamada gave Japan a narrow 1-0 victory over Malta in their final tuneup before they begin World Cup play on Monday.
Just two minutes into the match, Nagoya Grampus Eight striker Tamada fired the Japanese into the lead, but despite controlling the ball and the tempo for much of the game, they looked rather dull in attack.
It was a giant step back for Zico's men after they looked very strong against Germany in Leverkusen, but now they will have to prepare for their opening match against Australia.