0
France 1 Colombia 0
Japan 3 New Zealand 0
LYON (France), June 19: France made a winning start to their Confederations Cup defence on Wednesday after a Thierry Henry penalty earned them a 1-0 victory over Colombia.
Henry’s 39th minute spot-kick in a lively display from the striker left France second in Group A on goal difference after Japan had brushed aside New Zealand 3-0 in the tournament opener in Paris.
The European champions, though clearly missing the creative spark of the absent Zinedine Zidane, were too good for the 2001 Copa America winners at the Stade Gerland but did have to survive a late onslaught when Colombia were camped in their box and hit the bar.
Earlier Henry and strike partner Djibril Cisse missed good chances, while Olivier Dacourt hit the post in a workmanlike win before Friday’s clash with Japan at St Etienne in the eight-nation tournament.
Earlier Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura scored twice to inspire Japan to a highly deserved 3-0 victory over outsiders New Zealand in the opening game of the Confederations Cup in Paris on Wednesday.
Nakamura opened the scoring from close range in the 12th minute of a match the Japanese dominated from the start.
Captain Hidetoshi Nakata slotted his side’s second goal after 65 minutes and Nakamura put the issue beyond doubt when he headed home a cross by midfielder Nobuhisa Yamada 15 minutes from time.
New Zealand are still without a win in the eight-nation tournament. In their previous appearance in 1999 the All Whites completed their campaign with three consecutive defeats.
New Zealand worked hard in the first half but naive defending led to midfielder Nakamura’s first goal.
The Japanese, finalists of the tournament on home soil two years ago, were well organised and New Zealand failed to create a single chance throughout the first half.
Zico’s side should have increased their lead before the interval but strikers Yoshito Okubo and Takahara squandered two clear chances.
Japan take on title-holders France in St Etienne on Friday, hoping to get revenge for their 1-0 defeat in the 2001 final.—Reuters
