Sports Latest
The latest UK & World sports news from the Press Association
Scotland beaten in Far East
14:45, Oct 10 2009
A Christophe Berra own goal and a side-footed effort by Keisuke Honda in the final eight minutes earned Japan a 2-0 win over a makeshift Scotland at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.
Berra blotted an otherwise solid performance in the centre of Scotland's defence by scoring an own goal after 82 minutes to give Japan the lead.
And with just seconds remaining, Honda doubled his side's advantage when the Scotland defence failed to clear a cross by Yuichi Komano before the VVV Venlo midfielder stroked the ball beyond Craig Gordon.
Scotland boss George Burley handed debuts to four players for a game that had been blighted in the build-up by the withdrawal of 10 players from the squad in the days leading up to the journey to Japan.
Hearts defender Lee Wallace and a midfield trio of West Brom's Graham Dorrans, Preston's Ross Wallace and Dundee United's Craig Conway were included in the starting line-up, with Stephen McManus wearing the captain's armband.
Atsuto Uchida found space behind Wallace in the 17th minute after being played in by Honda but Kengo Nakamura scuffed his shot harmlessly off target.
With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, the Scotland defence was caught out again by Japan's passing and movement. Naohiro Ishikawa slotted the ball through to Honda, whose pass sent Kengo Nakamura scampering down the left before the Kawasaki Frontale midfielder fired off a shot that could only hit the side-netting.
Burley made two changes at the start of the second half, taking off Wallace and replacing him with Don Cowie while Lee Miller made way for Burnley striker Steven Fletcher.
Within a minute of coming on, Komano played a key role in Japan's opening goal, sending in a low cross that Berra put into his own net, sticking out a leg in an attempt to stop the ball reaching Takayuki Morimoto.
And with barely seconds remaining, Japan doubled their lead after the ball fell to Honda in the penalty area and the Holland-based midfielder side-footed home with glee.
Cooke seals Wildcats switch 14:45, Mar 19 2010
Wakefield finally got their man on Friday when Hull KR's out-of-favour stand-off Paul Cooke joined them on a short-term contract. more
Moody to lead England 13:45, Mar 19 2010
Lewis Moody will captain England against France on Saturday night after Steve Borthwick was ruled out with a knee injury. more
D'Arcy fit to face Scotland 13:45, Mar 19 2010
Gordon D'Arcy has been cleared to start Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland at Croke Park on Saturday. more
Fulham handed Wolfsburg tie 13:45, Mar 19 2010
Fulham's reward for their stunning victory over Juventus is a Europa League quarter-final with German side Wolfsburg. more
Hamstring blow for Defoe 12:45, Mar 19 2010
England striker Jermain Defoe has been ruled out for a "few weeks" after suffering a grade-two tear to one of his hamstrings, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp confirmed on Friday. more
Barca to face Arsenal in last eight 11:45, Mar 19 2010
Champions League holders Barcelona were handed a quarter-final tie with Arsenal in Friday's draw in Nyon. more
Fergie hits out at FA 10:45, Mar 19 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Football Association of running a "dysfunctional" disciplinary system. more
Rafa bemoans Riera timing 10:45, Mar 19 2010
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he is "disappointed" with Albert Riera's critical comments but does not intend to allow them to become a distraction ahead of Sunday's clash against Manchester United. more
Broad beats bug to boost England 09:45, Mar 19 2010
England expect Stuart Broad to be fully fit for Saturday's start of the second Test against Bangladesh after a bout of illness. more
Wildcats set to unveil Cooke 09:45, Mar 19 2010
Wakefield will finally get their man on Friday when they complete the signing of Hull KR's out-of-favour stand-off Paul Cooke. more
Murray wants different approach 09:45, Mar 19 2010
Andy Murray believes the Lawn Tennis Association should consider an alternative to a big-name captain as they seek the next leader of Britain's Davis Cup team. more
Riera explains Benitez criticism 08:45, Mar 19 2010
Liverpool winger Albert Riera has attempted to play down comments made in the Spanish media in which heavily criticised Reds manager Rafael Benitez. more
