Japanese lose to Real Madrid

World Cup soccer co-hosts Japan suffered a 1-0 defeat to an under-strength Real Madrid side at a rain-swept stadium in Madrid yesterday.

Rarely-used Colombian forward Edwin Congo got the only goal for Real after 26 minutes, turning in from a Roberto Carlos' free kick.

Japan, who play Belgium, Russia and Tunisia in group H in the first phase of the cup, created a handful of chances, but could not manage a shot on target until Toshihiro Hattori forced Carlos Sanchez into a point-blank save in the final minute.