The Netherlands has defeated Japan, 2-1 while Benin and Australia played to a 1-1 draw on the first day of the World Under-20 men's football (soccer) tournament in the Netherlands.
Ryan Babel scored one goal and set PSV Eindhoven striker Ibrahim Afellay's goal for the Dutch. Sota Hirayama scored for Japan in the 68th minute.
Meanwhile, Australia had to rally from one goal down to tie Benin, 1-1, after Razak Omotoyossi scored in the 32nd minute. Australia's Nick Ward tied the match in the 59th minute.
The top two teams in each of the six groups plus the four best teams among those ranked third after the first round qualify for the round of 16. The winners in the round of 16 make the quarterfinals. The tournament final is scheduled for July 5th.
Some information for this report provided by AP
