Miura scores in J-League opener

Miura scores in J-League opener

TOKYO (AFP): Japan's top striker Kazuyoshi Miura scored the first goal of the new J-League season which opened yesterday, to give two-time champions Verdy Kawasaki a 1-0 win over new comers Kyoto Purple Sanga.

Brazilian-born Ruy Ramos sent a brilliant long straight pass from the middle field to Miura, who defeated keeper Shinichi Morishita and a defender just inside the area for a left-footer into an empty goal in the 34th minute.

Purple Sanga had a chance to square in the 44th minute when Rikizo Matsuhashi wrong-footed Verdy keeper Shinkichi Kikuchi to net the ball into the left corner, only to see it was called "off side."