Maeda Ryoichi scored an equalizer in the 70th minute to give Japan a 1-1 draw against DPR Korea at the third East Asian Football Championship (EAFC) in Chongqing, Southwest China on Sunday.

 

Takeshi Okada, who led Japan as the head coach to World Cup in 1998 for the first time, again took over the position from Ivica Osim who fell in the sickness at the end of last year.

 

Having missed the trophy twice with the results of runner-ups in previous consecutive EAFC, Japan aims for the title this time.

 

Since EAFC competition is held during the preparation period of qualifying for the next World Cup, the Korean team places a high value on this event. With the cored players from four national clubs in a solid unity of veteran and new generation, they embody their fast and simple football with fighting spirit in today's match.

 

The Korean gained a dream start as they broke the deadlock just at the sixth minute. The 24-year-old forward Jong Tae Se burst past two Japanese defenders and delivered a tricky low shot calmly to contribute the first goal for his team.

 

Japan equalized in the 70th when forward Maeda Ryoichi jumped to beat one defender in the air and scored with a powerful header down to the dead corner after Korean's keeper failed to clear a low and fast cross far away.

 

"Our players have done a brilliant job today as they fight to the last minute of the match. It's really a pity that we only got a draw not a victory," said Korean coach Kim Jong Hun after the match, "However, we still have the chance to the title as we will prepare carefully for the following two matches."

 

On next Wednesday, DPR Korea will meet South Korea which was the same opponent of World Cup qualifier as both teams were selected in the same group of the preliminary round.

 

"As many young players of our team came to play in China for the first time, they didn't perform in their due form today. I hope in next match against China, our players could get more used to the atmosphere and stadium to play much better," said Japan's head coach Takeshi Okada.

 

The third East Asian Football Championship opened officially at the Olympic Center Sunday afternoon, wherein top four teams of the region: host China, DPR Korea, Japan and South Korea are competing for the title in a round-robin format.

 

In the earlier opening match, the host China was beaten 3-2 by South Korea.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2008)