Tactical switches were the key for Japan in their Group D opener against Haiti as they took maximum points at the Soccer Only Field in Gwangyang on Sunday 19 August.

Possibly overawed by the occasion, Haiti marked their first ever appearance in the elite competition by focusing on holding Japan at bay. This approach proved costly when Tomotaka Okamoto broke the deadlock after 42 minutes, burying his free-kick with thunderous power and precision and sending the Asian side in happier at the break.

GROUP D - HAITI MATCHES

19 Aug - 08:00 (EST)
GWANGYANG Soccer Field
Japan 3 - Haiti 1

22 Aug - 06:00 (EST)
GWANGYANG Soccer Field
France 1- Haiti 1

25 Aug - 08:00 (EST)
JEJU Soccer Field
Nigeria 4 - Haiti 1

Jean Yves Labaze, Haiti coach
"We played a good game and even when we were behind we never let our heads drop, doing what we had to do to get level. Unfortunately, we conceded a silly second goal though a lack of concentration. Still, when Valdo Normil broke free a few minutes later, we felt certain he'd score. So we could have won this match, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. Now we need to iron out the mistakes to make sure we don't suffer any more lapses of concentration."

The Haitians refused to give up hope, though, and began the second half with more attacking intentions, an attitude that paid off when Joseph Guemsly Junior rifled a devastating effort high into the Japanese net with 71 minutes gone. That brought the newcomers level, but a goal apiece from substitutes Hiroki Kawano and Yoichiro Kakitani ultimately handed Japan a slightly flattering victory.

LINE-UP

•   Dorleans SHELSON     1
•   Mechack JEROME     2
•   Ismael GREGORY     3
•   Peterson DESRIVIERES     4
•   Jean Jacques BITIELO     6
•   Fabien VORBE     7
•   Saint Cyr WIDNER     8
•   Charles HEROLD JUNIOR    10
•   Valdo NORMIL    11
•   Peterson JOSEPH    14
•   Joseph GUEMSLY JUNIOR    17