Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Cessnock: Four-time AFC Asian Cup champions Japan have defeated FIFA Club World Cup 2014 semi-finalists Auckland City FC of New Zealand 2-0 in a friendly match in front of a 3,000 strong crowd in Cessnock.
Despite the searing heat, the Samurai Blue dominated throughout the first half to force Auckland’s backline and goalkeeper Tamati Williams into defensive mode from the opening kick.
Shinji Kagawa’s left foot volley was the first chance for Japan to push ahead, but Williams made the save comfortably before Keisuke Honda sent a volley of his own flying over the crossbar before teammate Yuto Nagatomo mirrored Honda’s earlier attempt just minutes later.
Japanese defender Gotoku Sakai then got in on the action taking off down the right wing. He found Takashi Inui who crossed into Honda for an attempt on goal, but Auckland again cleared their line.
On the half hour mark Auckland broke Japan’s domination of the match with a long spell of possession, but an injury scare to Tim Payne left Auckland a man down while he was treated on the sideline.
Japan’s onslaught of goal attempts paid off on 33 minutes when Yasuhito Endo (pictured) took a long-range low shot which deflected into the back of the net.
Kagawa sought a second goal to give the Samurai Blue a comfortable lead moments after the restart, however smashed the ball across the face of the goal.
Auckland City wasn’t concerned about the one goal deficit and entered the second half in search of an equaliser which looked like a chance happening on 75 minutes when Emilio Tade broke away from the Japanese backline for a one on one opportunity against goalkeeper Eiji Kawashiwa, but Tade crumbled under pressure and sent the ball flying over the crossbar.
Despite dominating possession and a barrage of attempts on goal, Japan appeared likely to claim victory by just one goal until Shinji Okazaki’s late strike.
The German based attacker was on the receiving end of a well-placed cross which he pounced on to finish in the top right hand corner and subsequently push the final score to 2-0.
Japan coach Javier Aguirre was pleased with his side’s performance and the opportunity to play a final preparation match prior to the commencement of the AFC Asian Cup.
“It was a good game for me and last practice before the first match (of the AFC Asian Cup), I am really happy,” said Aguirre.
Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was also pleased with the result and the chance to acclimatise to Australian conditions.
“It was good to get used to this weather, and it wasn’t really important that we win today, but it is important how we prepare for the Cup matches,” Kawashima commented.
Japan now face local National Premier League side Lambton Jaffas in a closed door modified format match tomorrow morning ahead of the side’s opening AFC Asian Cup fixture against debutants Palestine on January 12 at Newcastle Stadium.
Photo: AFP