Japan’s Kaji ruled out

BONN: Japan coach Zico has ruled out injured first-choice right winger Akira Kaji from the Asian champions’ crucial World Cup opener against Australia on Monday. But the 26-year-old Osaka Gamba defender may be ready for Japan’s second match against 1998 semi-finalists Croatia on June 18. “Kaji is in the process of improving. I think he can make it on the 18th, barring any more problems,” Zico said. Kaji, who leads Japan’s wing attacks with Brazilian-born left-winger Alessandro “Alex” Santos, hurt his right ankle when he was tackled from behind by Bastian Schweinsteiger in a 2-2 friendly draw against Germany 11 days ago.

Website launched

KATHMANDU: “The Innovators” SID group launched a web site www.bestcyberzone.com/worldcup dedicated to FIFA World Cup 2006 for Nepali football lovers. The site has been developed by group of web workers from SID. The site will contain updated results, views, news, reviews of the World Cup 2006. The site is interactive one with different sections like forums, chat and comments. The project has been created by the students of Nobel College in association with SID, Amir Lama, CEO of the company, said. According to him, the main objective of the website is to promote web and sports in Nepal.