Japan secured a 3-1 victory over Uruguay in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Thursday, with debutant Kuryu Matsuki and Kento Shiogai both scoring their first international goals.
Matsuki opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Uruguay equalised just before half-time through Maximiliano Araujo. The match remained tight until a dramatic finale in stoppage time.
Shiogai netted the winner in the 91st minute. Ayase Ueda then sealed the result five minutes later, scoring Japan's third. Ueda, who also scored twice against Venezuela four days prior, is in prolific form.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu said the performance reflected the challenge he had set his players: to build on what they had already achieved while continuing to grow and evolve. Japan's recent form reads three wins, one draw and one loss from their last five outings.
The Samurai Blue's next fixture is a high-profile friendly against Brazil at home on 14 November.
Background and full detail: english.kyodonews.net
