Japan's first outing since their run to the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia had been scheduled to take place against Chile in Sapporo last Friday.

However, that game was cancelled after an earthquake struck the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido a day earlier, leaving at least 40 people dead.

Minamino went close near the end of the first half with a fierce volley that brought a brilliant save from Costa Rica goalkeeper Leonel Moreira.

But after a Ritsu Doan lob was cleared off the line by Luis Hernandez, Minamino scored his first Japan goal with a swivel and clinical finish in the 66th minute.

Ito capped an impressive Japan performance by smashing home a left-foot shot deep into stoppage time.

Korea Republic, meanwhile, settled for a 0-0 draw with South American side Chile at the Suwon World Cup Stadium in new coach Paulo Bento's second match in charge.

Led by FC Barcelona stalwart Arturo Vidal, Chile dictated the pace in midfield, quickly closing in on Korea Republic before they could mount attacks. A quick transition and a rock solid back line also allowed Chile to foil the few attempts that Korea Republic had inside the box.

World No Chile 12, though, also failed to put away several chances in a tight match in which Bento would have been pleased with his team's defensive solidity.

The Taeguk Warriors had given Bento a winning debut, having defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in a friendly on Friday.

Islamic Republic of Iran also kicked off their buildup for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with a 1-0 win over fellow qualifiers Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

In a tight contest between two teams eyeing success in UAE 2019, Mehdi Torabi's 67th minute strike from close range settled the tie in favour of Team Melli at the Bunyodkor Stadium.

Qatar scored a resounding 3-0 win over Palestine at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha with Almoez Ali giving them a dream start with a third minute goal.

Qatar, who defeated China PR 1-0 in a friendly on Friday, doubled their lead in the 19th minute with Akram Afif slotting home.

The win was sealed in the 29th minute with Hassan Al-Haydos finding the back of the net.

The United Arab Emirates, aiming to win the AFC Asian Cup on home soil, ended their training camp in Catalonia, Spain with a 3-0 win over Laos.

A brace by Ali Makbhout in the 24th and 26th minutes set the UAE on their way to a win at the Estadi Municipal Palamós Costa Brava.

The talismanic Omar Abdulrahman added a third in the 68th minute as the UAE's preparations for the Continent's premier football tournament continue serenely.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, let slip a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw with Bolivia at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.

The Green Falcons, playing their first match since the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, raced to the two-goal leads through efforts by Yehya Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari in the seventh and 11th minutes respectively.

Jhasmani Campos pulled one back for Bolivia in the 35th minute, giving his team hope going into the break.

The comeback was complete for Bolivia when Marcelo Martins Moreno struck from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.

Jordan and Oman, who are also bound for the AFC Asian Cup 2019, played to a 0-0 draw at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman.

Sources: Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, AFP, Yonhap