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 World Cup: Japan Loses to Australia

Japanese soccer fans watched in disbelief at sports bars and cafes as three late goals by Australia cost the national squad their World Cup opening match.

Shunsuke Nakamura gave Japan the lead in the 26th minute with a cross that beat Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. But the Japanese defense seemed to crumble as Tim Cahill scored in the 84th and 89th minutes, with John Aloisi adding a third goal in injury time to seal Australia’s first World Cup win.

“Maybe because it was hot, the Japan team didn’t play as sharp as usual,” said Junichi Tada, a 20-year-old student who watched the game at a cafe in central Tokyo along with 200 other fans.

“The team looked pretty tired toward the end of the match. There’s no such thing as a sure win,” he said.

Japan now faces an uphill battle in its next games against Croatia, the 1998 semifinalist, and defending champions Brazil.

While fans said they would continue to cheer for the Japanese squad led by coach Zico, many — like hotel employee Akane Tanaka, at another Tokyo sports bar — were reserved when asked how far the team could advance.

“There is no such thing as a miracle against Brazil,” she said.

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