GLASGOW (AP) — Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his team’s tactical flexibility after Junya Ito’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Scotland in pre-match. world cup It was a friendly match at Hampden Park, and the home team was met with a chorus of boos.
In an important prelude to their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, the Samurai Blue defeated Scotland, who got off to a bright start and dominated in the second half. Substitute Ito proved the difference in the 84th minute with a clinical finish from 12 yards to settle the close match.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke admitted he was “surprised and disappointed” by the Tartans’ negative reaction, but Moriyasu focused on his team’s defensive discipline and clinical dominance in the closing stages.
Coach Moriyasu said, “I’m very happy to be able to play in such a great atmosphere.” “It was a tough game, but we managed to finish without conceding a goal. Towards the end, we changed our setup to try to score a goal. It was a great way to gain confidence.”
The visitors overcame an early scare when Zion Suzuki pushed Scott McTominay’s shot onto the post, but Japan gradually took control. Before the break, Kodai Sano clipped the bar, and the pressure showed when Ito finally made his breakthrough.
As a result, Scotland are now winless in four games against Japan as they prepare for the North American World Cup, which begins in June.
Japan will play England on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium in London.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
