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Japan’s victory set off celebration at home, deadly riots in Russia

By Phil Brown, The Associated Press
Monday June 10, 2002

Costa Rica-Turkey tie puts Brazil into next round without playing 

 

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Japan’s victory over Russia set off jubilant celebrations in the co-host nation of the World Cup. It also set off the worst kind of reaction in Moscow. 

Russian fans angered by the 1-0 loss Sunday went on a rampage, overturning cars and setting them on fire in the center of the city. At least one man was killed, and the Interfax news agency said five music students from Japan were beaten. 

An Associated Press photographer saw a mutilated corpse lying on the street during the chaos, which erupted across a square from the Kremlin walls and lasted for more than an hour. 

Officials said 27 people were hospitalized. 

The scene was vastly different in the streets of Yokohoma, where the Japanese won a World Cup game for the first time. They were 0-3 in their debut four years ago. Drivers honked horns and pedestrians chanted “Nippon, Nippon,” waving flags and jerseys. 

Japan was cheered on at the site of the June 30 championship game by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. 

“I think we’ve changed the view people have of Japanese soccer with this victory,” said Junichi Inamoto, who scored the goal. “But we still have to advance to the next round.” 

That could come Friday if they tie or beat Tunisia. The Tunisians played Belgium on Monday at Oita, Japan. 

Spanish players partied, waiting for the rest of the World Cup to catch up with them. Spain was the first team to qualify for the second round. 

Brazil matched that Sunday and it didn’t even play — Costa Rica’s 1-1 tie with Turkey ensured its advance and eliminated China. 

When Mexico beat Ecuador 2-1 and Costa Rica tied, it improved CONCACAF’s record to 4-0-1. Long considered one of the weakest regions in FIFA, its spotless mark was on the line Monday when the United States played host South Korea in Daegu. 

South Korea President Kim Dae-jung was not scheduled to attend the game. FIFA spokesman Walter Gagg, in charge of stadiums and security, said security would be “much tougher than all the matches before. They will not be afraid, but they will be very, very careful.” 

Aside from possible terrorism, authorities want to head off protests against the United States. U.S. military bases in the country cause some friction, and Koreans still are upset over the Olympic short track speedskating race where a South Korean disqualification let American Apolo Anton Ohno win gold. 

South Korean organizers said Sunday they planned to sell 7,028 tickets for the U.S.-South Korea match to fans at the stadium hours before the game. About 3,600 tickets were leftovers allotted for fans outside the co-host nation. The rest were seats with obstructed views. 

Also Monday, Portugal played Poland in Jeonju, South Korea. 

Mexico won its second straight for the first time in a World Cup on Gerardo Torrado’s 57th-minute goal. But to reach the second round, it needs at least a draw with Italy, or help from Ecuador against Croatia on Thursday. 

” We are still hopeful we can win the final match against Italy and go on to the next round,” midfielder Joahan Rodriguez said. 

Costa Rica’s tie came on Winston Parks’ nifty left-footed shot in the 86th minute. 

“I was ready and just wanted to show why everyone has put so much confidence in me,” Parks said. “My family and girlfriend told me I’d have a chance and I’d take advantage.” 

Against Mexico, Ecuador’s Agustin Delgado headed home a cross from Ulises De la Cruz in the fifth minute, scoring newcomer Ecuador’s first goal in the World Cup. Mexico’s Jared Borgetti tied it in the 28th minute. 

“We’re just happy that our chances of advancing now depend on us,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre. “This was an even match and either team could have won.”