defeat as they were beaten 4-2 by a top rated Japanese outfit.

The skillful and technically sound Japanese ran wild in the first half, surging to a 3-0 advantage as Bermuda struggled to come to grips with the size, strength and pace of their opponents.

But following the break, Bermuda came back strongly. Forwards Domico Coddington and Dion Stovell both found the net to reduce the deficit. However, the Japanese made sure of victory with a second half tally of their own.

"The Japanese team were perhaps the best performing team they have come up against thus far,'' said BFA general secretary David Sabir, passing on comments made by delegation head Cal Smith. "He (Smith) paid testimony to the fact that the Japanese had beaten Ajax 3-2 the day before, and this after literally stepping from the plane to the playing field.'' Smith reportedly noted how the Japanese were wanting for little in terms of organisation, with the side accompanied by a large support group, including doctors, physiotherapists, position coaches and administrators, all of which contributed positively to on-field performance.

"The head of delegation recognised that our players competed very well, realising the major difference to be our lack of participation at that level on a consistent basis,'' added Sabir.

"He was most impressed with the commitment of our boys and is certain that by the end of the tour they will not only be exposed to a very high level of competition, but will have learned from it and adapted to it.'' Bermuda, though, have little time to rest, with Dutch side Quick Nijmegen lined up as today's opponents.