South Korea too good for India; Japan whip Guam 15-0

India were off to a disappointing start, getting blanked 0-4 by South Korea in the opening Group 'A' match of the inaugural Asian Football Confederation under-19 women's championship at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Friday.

The visitors' cause was helped by a hat-trick from Han Song I (22nd, 23rd, 52nd). The other goal for the Koreans, who led 2-0 at half-time, came from Lee Jong Mi (48th).

In a later match, Japan hammered Guam 15-0, after leading 10-0 at half-time.

For Japan, Yukari Kinga and Ayako Kitamoto scored four goals each, while Yu Hayasaka and Kanako Ito got two each. Akiko Niwata and substitutes Chihiro Watanab and Aya Miyama chipped in with a goal each.

Korea, who held sway throughout the match, played an attacking game but met with stiff resistance from the Indians who packed the defence with more players.

The Koreans finally used the long ball from the flanks to get the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Park Young, from the right, lobbed the ball over the Indian defence to Han Song I, who sent an angular drive that beat keeper Wangkhem Thabal Devi completely.

Han Sing again found the net a minute later when she headed in off a flag-kick taken by Park Hyun Hu from the left.

The Indians, who were busy defending their citadel, could hardly get a clear look at the rival goal. On the other hand their keeper had her hands full keeping off the maurading Korean forwards.

The Koreans would have won by a bigger margin had India's keeper not thwarted Lee Jang Mi twice.