England make losing start

England got off to a losing start in the FIFA World Youth Championship, as a goal from Daisuke Sakata nine minutes after half-time gave Japan a 1-0 win in Dubai.

Egypt next
With the other Group D game, between Colombia and Egypt, finishing goalless, Les Reed's side must now look to kick-start their campaign on Tuesday when they face Egypt.

Eliott delight
In Group E, the Republic of Ireland began their challenge in more positive fashion as two goals from Stephen Eliott at the start of the first half and end of the second earned a 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia in Al Ain.

Advantage Ireland
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both sides creating early chances, but it was the Irish who took the lead after 18 minutes as Eliott glanced Willo Flood's cross into the net to put the European side in front.

Chances at both ends
The goal initially deflated Saudi Arabia, but Daniel Roméo's side quickly recovered and Saad Al Abouad and Osamah Al Harbi both might have equalised, although Paddy McCarthy was centimetres away from extending Ireland's lead with a header on the stroke of half-time.

Headed second
Saudi Arabia did equalise four minutes into the second half, Eisa Al Mahyani levelling with a fine cross-shot, a goal which sparked a spell of Saudi pressure. However, when the decisive goal did come it was Getty Smith's Irish side who got it, Eliott heading a second from a corner to seal the points.

Ivorian test
Ireland next face the Ivory Coast, who defeated Mexico 2-1 with goals from Adolph Tohoua and Arouna Kone while Aldo De Nigris replied for Mexico.
 
Germany loss
In Group F, Germany lost 2-0 to the Korean Republic in Abu Dhabi. Ho Jin Lee put the Asian side in front five minutes after half-time and, although Germany struggled hard to get back on level terms, a second from Jong Min Lee with 20 minutes left effectively sealed the result.

Second-half surge
In the other match in the section, Julio Dos Santos gave Partaguay a sixth-minute lead, but second-half strikes from Ed Johnson, Mike Magee and Bobby Convey gave the United States a 3-1 win. Germany are the United States's next opponents, on Tuesday.