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29 May 2017
Cuba resist to Japan in the opening game
Cuba clinched the draw against Japan (1-1) in Toulon Tournament's opening game for the group A.
The first half was all dominated by Japan. Technically better than Cuba, Japan created themselves several opportunities by Hiroki Abe, who missed three big chances. After a face-to-face against the Cuban goalkeeper, he hit the post and didn't align his shot.
During a second half more equilibrated, Cuba felt more solid in defense and created themselves more opportunities in front of the goal, but not enough to be dangerous. Japan kept their pace and finally scored a goal thanks to Ito (55th) with a long shot just in front of the penalty area. Then, Cuba defended much better and Japan couldn't increase the score. And after a long pass, Oviedo Valdes, the Cuban player, tied the game (71th) with a strike who went off the post and surprised the Japanese goalkeeper.
Mentally and physically strong in defense, Cuba avoided the loss at the end of the second half.
Japan – Cuba : 1-1
Day 1 - Group A
Stade De Lattre, Aubagne
Goals : Ito (55th), Oviedo Valdes (71e)
Japon : Osako, Nakagawa, Tanaka, Mikuni, Tatsuta, Harigaya, Suminaga, Yoshio, Ito, Abe, Yoshio. Coach : Masanaga Kageyama
Cuba : Echevarria Dìaz, Blanco Crespo,Morris Calero, Madrigal Calmell Morejòn Rodriguez, Sando Herve, Puga Saucedo, Frometa, Tuero Zanetti, Andreus Milanés, Herrera Cruz. Coach : Jorge Issac Querol
Photo credits : Magali Ruffato / Eric Estrade
Romain Sicard -
