InsideJapan News Network
Monday,
1st
June
2009
In Sports,
In Sports,
Japan ease past Belgium to claim Kirin Cup
The Japanese football team registered their second 4-0 victory in week to clinch the Kirin Cup.
Japan followed up their earlier rout of Chile with an equally comprehensive defeat of Belgium, with two goals in each half securing the maximum six points from the three-team tournament.
Yuto Nagatomo and Kengo Nakamura were on target in the first 45 minutes, with second-half goals from Shinji Okazaki and substitute Kisho Yano putting the finish on a convincing win.
The match represented a perfect warmup for Japan's key World Cup qualifier with Uzbekistan, with Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura managing a 45-minute runout after shaking off a groin injury.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada spoke of his contentment with his team's performance, but was keen to look ahead to the Uzbekistan clash, which could see Japan book their place at the 2010 World Cup with a victory.
If they qualify, the Japan team will be looking to improve upon their performance in the 2006 World Cup, in which they were eliminated at the group stage.
Written by Jehan Ranasinghe
Related news stories:
Haircut hits headlines ahead of football friendly (26th May 2009)
Blue Samurai crush Chile (27th May 2009)
Kirin Cup friendly - details confirmed (4th April 2008)
Japan invited to participate in 2011 Copa America (3rd June 2009)
Japan followed up their earlier rout of Chile with an equally comprehensive defeat of Belgium, with two goals in each half securing the maximum six points from the three-team tournament.
Yuto Nagatomo and Kengo Nakamura were on target in the first 45 minutes, with second-half goals from Shinji Okazaki and substitute Kisho Yano putting the finish on a convincing win.
The match represented a perfect warmup for Japan's key World Cup qualifier with Uzbekistan, with Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura managing a 45-minute runout after shaking off a groin injury.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada spoke of his contentment with his team's performance, but was keen to look ahead to the Uzbekistan clash, which could see Japan book their place at the 2010 World Cup with a victory.
If they qualify, the Japan team will be looking to improve upon their performance in the 2006 World Cup, in which they were eliminated at the group stage.
Written by Jehan Ranasinghe
Related news stories:
Haircut hits headlines ahead of football friendly (26th May 2009)
Blue Samurai crush Chile (27th May 2009)
Kirin Cup friendly - details confirmed (4th April 2008)
Japan invited to participate in 2011 Copa America (3rd June 2009)
Latest Headlines
-
Click on a region above to expand
Order a
InsideJapan meets Masterchef at Destinations -
27/01/2012
Show Time for IJT – Get your FREE tickets here! - 01/12/2011
Matsuri madness in London - 12/09/2011
Show all stories >>
Show Time for IJT – Get your FREE tickets here! - 01/12/2011
Matsuri madness in London - 12/09/2011
Show all stories >>
-2010.jpg "The Guardian, The Observer - Travel Awards 2010 Winner - Best tour operator (small)")
.jpg "Inside Japan Tours - Silver at the British Travel Awards 2009")
