20 Jul 2004 13:58 UTC
Nakamura scored from 15 meters out with an awkward shot off the outside of his right foot. Japan was able to fend off the Omani's scoring attempts in the final minutes.
Japan has won the Asian Cup two of the past three tournaments. Oman is making its first appearance in the event, as it features the largest field in its 48-year history with 16 teams.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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Japan's national football (soccer) team has begun defense of its Asian Cup title with a 1-0 win over Oman, thanks to a 33rd minute goal from Shunsuke Nakamura.
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The Japanese squad was without many of its European-based players, including captain Hidetoshi Nakata, midfilder Junichi Inamoto and star player Shinji Ono.