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Rivals team up Japan-South Korea stars, world selection draw 1-1
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- A joint team fielded by 2002 World Cup co-hosts Japan and South Korea fought to a 1-1 draw with a selection of stars from around the world in a soccer friendly Wednesday. Traditional rivals Japan and South Korea got off to a scrappy start but soon meshed to create several first-half scoring chances. The joint team went ahead in the 17th minute on a free kick from Korean midfielder Ko Jong-su of the Korean league's Suwon Samsung. The match was played before 46,740 spectators at International Stadium Yokohama, the site chosen for the 2002 World Cup final match. Croatian Robert Prosinecki of Belgium's Standard Liege saved his team from a loss, kicking in a 25-meter equalizer in the 72nd minute after taking over for Paraguayan Nelson Rafael Cuevas of Argentina's River Plate. "It was a great feeling being able to score as a replacement," said Prosinecki. "I can't explain what went through my head when I scored." Osvaldo do Cesar Ardiles of Argentina, who co-managed the Asian team with South Korea's Cho Kwang-Rae, expressed disappointment at the draw. "We should have won the game. We should have scored another goal before half-time," said Ardiles. The world selection team outshot their Japan-Korea opponents 20-14. In the 35th minute, Paraguayan goalie Jose Luis Chilavert of France's Strasbourg attempted one of his trademark free kicks from just outside the penalty area, but his shot was deflected by Japan-Korea defenders. In the second half, the world team found its rhythm and went on the attack. Dutchman Aaron Winter of Ajax Amsterdam attempted a header in the 18th minute that went narrowly wide. Choi Yong-soo of Korean league's Anyang LG had several first half scoring chances, and led his team in shots with a total of five. With one minute left in the second half, American goalie Tony Meola of the Kansas City Wizards saved a powerful shot by Japanese Naoki Matsuda of Yokohama F. Marinos. Players were selected by host Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. after consulting with the Japan Professional Football League and the Japan Football Association. Vasco da Gama striker Romario sat out the game after suffering a leg strain in Brazil on Saturday. Zinedine Zidane, the 2000 FIFA soccer player of the year and Ronaldo, twice selected FIFA player of the year, were among members of the world selection team originally announced by TBS in November. But Zidane and Ronaldo canceled after their Italian league schedule was changed. Zidane plays for Juventus and Ronaldo for AC Milan. --- Lineups: Japan-Korea joint all-stars: Kim Byung-ji, South Korea (Daijiro Takakuwaapan, 45th minute); Yutaka Akita, Japan (Lee Lim Seang, South Korea, 45th), Naoki Matsuda, Japan, Jung Kwang-min, South Korea (Park Nam Yul, South Korea 45th), Toshihiro Hattori, Japan, Tomokazu Myojin, Japan, Ko Jong-su, South Korea, Koji Nakata, Japan (Kang Chul, South Korea, 45th), Kim Do-hoon, South Korea (Kazuyoshi Miura, Japan, 55th), Masashi Nakayama, Japan, Choi Yong-soo, South Korea. World Selection: Jose Luis Chilavert, Paraguay (Tony Meola, the United States, 56th minute); Bulent Korkmz, Turkey (Mario Santos, Brazil 45th), Lothar Matthaus, Germany, Kakha Kaladeze, Ukraine, Aaron Winter, Netherlands, Ariel Ortega, Argentina, Brian Roy, Netherlands (Roberto Trotta, Arinecki, Croatia 45th). Refree: Masayoshi Okada, Japan.
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