Peru hold Japan to 0-0 draw in Kirin Cup

Peru held Japan to a goalless draw in the opening match of the Kirin Cup in Niigata on Wednesday.

The Samurai Blue, hoping to lift their fifth Kirin Cup in a row, controlled much of the first half but were unable to get any real shots on goal.

Peru coach Sergio Markarian made five changes in the second half bringing on Chiroque, Ballon, Yotun, Ruidiaz and Lobaton for Cueva, Balbin, Rabanal, Farfan and Cruzado, respectively.

Peru took control late in the second half and looked to have secured the win when Ruidiaz hit the post with a right-footed volley that got past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima in the 88th minute.

Another excellent chance for Peru came two minutes later but Luis Ramirez's header hit the other post following a corner on the left.

Peru, co-winner of the tournament in 1999 and 2005, will face Czech Republic in Nagano on Saturday.

(END) EEP/LVT

Video: Peru hold Japan to 0-0 draw in Kirin Cup. Source: CMD

Publicado: 1/6/2011