France 2-2 Japan
(France won 4-2 on pens)
CASABLANCA, Morocco, June 4 (Reuters) - World champions France beat Japan 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out on Sunday to reach the final of the King Hassan II soccer tournament.
France, who twice came from behind to draw 2-2 in regular
time, gave the impression their minds were more on their first
Euro 2000 match against Denmark next weekend.
Japan seized the lead when midfielder Morishima Hiraoki beat
'keeper Fabien Barthez from close range in the 28th minute.
France playmaker Zinedine Zidane equalised in the 61st
minute with a fine lob, but the Japanese refused to give up and
Nishizawa Akinori put his side back in front with a tremendous
volley in the 68th minute.
Substitute Nicolas Anelka set up the second equaliser with a
telling pass to Youri Djorkaeff, who netted his 23rd goal for
France with 15 minutes left.
