MUCH maligned for his league form, Juan Sebastián Verón, the Manchester United midfield player, orchestrated Argentina’s 2-0 win over Japan in Saitama yesterday, in their first match since they failed to qualify for the second round of the World Cup.
After a goalless first half, Verón found Ariel Ortega, whose pass allowed Juan Pablo Sorin to beat Seigo Narazaki, the Japan goalkeeper, and open the scoring for Argentina after 46 minutes. Two minutes later, Verón found space in midfield, played the ball wide to Ortega, who crossed for Hernan Crespo to head in powerfully at the far post.
“We heard Japan’s best players weren’t playing so maybe we underestimated them a bit,” Verón said. “They are a very quick and skilful side, and it was