HANOVER, Germany, 17 June 2005 — A touch of class from Brazil-born forward Zinha helped Mexico come from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their Group B opener at the Confederations Cup yesterday.

Mexico, trailing to Atsushi Yanagisawa’s 12th minute tap-in and struggling to get through a packed midfield, got their equalizer six minutes before the break when Zinha sent a perfectly-flighted shot into the top right corner from over 20 meters.

Mexico dominated for the remainder of the game and clinched victory when Jose Fonseca leapt and twisted in the air to guide in a Luis Perez cross in the 64th minute.

World champions Brazil were set to line up against European champions Greece in the second Group B game in Leipzig later.

Zinha’s pass out wide gave space for Jaime Lozano to fire in a cross that struck Fonseca and flashed wide inside the first minute.

Japan, with their qualification for the World Cup already secure, gradually gained composure before moving ahead with only their second attack.

Akira Kaji caught the Mexican defense on their heels as he raced down the right and pulled the ball back for Yanagisawa to nip in ahead of Ricardo Osorio and convert for a simple opener.

Germany Edge Australia in

Seven-Goal Thriller

In Frankfurt, host nation Germany survived a bout of first-night nerves to beat Australia 4-3 in a frantic Confederations Cup match in Group A on Wednesday.

Germany led twice in the first half with opportunist goals from Kevin Kuranyi and Per Mertesacker but amateurish defending allowed Australia to equalize through a Josip Skoko free-kick and a fine finish from John Aloisi.

Michael Ballack converted a 60th minute penalty to restore the lead and Germany’s captain set up 20-year-old forward Lukas Podolski to give them some breathing space in the 88th minute. There was still time for Aloisi to score his second of the night but Germany came through a nervous last few seconds to go top of the group after Argentina had earlier beat Tunisia 2-1 in the tournament’s opening game.

Lone Strike Gives India the Edge Over Pakistan

In Pewshawar, India beat Pakistan 1-0 yesterday to secure at least a share of the spoils in the archrivals’ first ever football series.

Substitute Abdul Hakkim was on target after 66 minutes, latching on to a cross from talismanic midfielder Shanmugam Venkatesh to give the visitors a one-game lead in the three-match series after Sunday’s opening 1-1 draw.

Pakistan will need to score their first ever home victory over India in Lahore tomorrow to level the unprecedented series, which is being played after sporting ties were renewed in 2003.

The home side’s best chance came in the 13th minute when Atiqur Rehman’s rasping shot was saved by diving Indian ‘keeper Satish Kumar.

But it was a rare moment in front of goal for Pakistan, whose passing was wayward and who failed to create chances as they did in the first match.

India bossed the midfield and dominated the first half. They were unlucky to see a second Hakkim strike disallowed with 15 minutes left, although they did come under pressure in the final stages.

Mihajlovic Seals Italian Cup Win for Inter

Inter Milan ended a 16-year wait for a domestic honor on Wednesday when they lifted the Italian Cup, beating 10-man AS Roma 1-0 in the second leg of the final to secure a 3-0 aggregate win.

A free-kick from Serbian defender Sinisa Mihajlovic, which flew into the net after being pushed on to the post by Roma keeper Gianluca Curci, sealed Inter’s victory in the 52nd minute after a scrappy first half.

Roma had their Argentine defender Leandro Cufre sent off for a second booking in the 65th minute.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini, delighted to have picked up a trophy in his first season with the club, paid tribute to owner Massimo Moratti, who has spent heavily with little return in recent seasons.

“I dedicate this victory to the Moratti family and to all Inter fans who, after so many years, deserve some success,” said Mancini.

Inter, who won Sunday’s first leg in Rome 2-0 with two goals from Brazil striker Adriano, were rarely in trouble despite the absence of several players, including Adriano, on national team duty in the Confederations Cup.

With captain Francesco Totti below his best, Roma created little and Inter always looked the more likely to score with Nigerian Obafemi Martins proving a constant threat.