Japan strike late to beat Scotland in World Cup friendly
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Japan's Junya Ito celebrates his late, winning goal against Scotland on March 28.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Scotland lost 1-0 to Japan at Hampden Park due to Junya Ito's late goal, marking their first game since World Cup qualification.
- Japan, despite resting key players, continued strong friendly form, highlighted by Ito's goal and earlier win over Brazil.
- Steve Clarke expressed disappointment in the loss, while Angus Gunn's goalkeeping error raised questions before the World Cup.
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GLASGOW - Scotland’s first outing since ending a 28-year wait to qualify for the World Cup ended in defeat as Junya Ito’s late strike earned Japan a 1-0 win at Hampden Park.
In a stark contrast to the jubilant scenes that accompanied a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark in November to secure the Tartan Army’s trip to North America, a subdued atmosphere contributed to a tame encounter.
Japan had left a number of their key men, including Ito, on the bench in preparation for their March 31 clash against England at Wembley.
But they continued their impressive form in friendlies since securing qualification a year ago, which includes a first ever win over Brazil in October, as Ito scored the only goal six minutes from time.
Scott McTominay had Scotland’s best chance of the match inside the opening 10 minutes, but the Napoli midfielder’s effort was brilliantly saved by Zion Suzuki.
Japan then slowly began to take control to extend Scotland’s miserable record of not having won a home friendly for the past 10 years.
“To lose it on the goal that we lost is disappointing. The game at that stage looked like it was going to peter out to a 0-0 draw,” said Scotland boss Steve Clarke.
“We played a lot of good stuff and I think we can be a bit more progressive to get to the top end of the pitch, but against top opposition sometimes that’s difficult.”
Angus Gunn made a fine save from Ito when the Genk forward ran clear on goal just after the hour mark.
Japan’s Junya Ito (left) scores the only goal of the match against Scotland on March 28.
PHOTO: EPA
Gunn faces a battle with 43-year-old Craig Gordon to be Clarke’s number one for Scotland’s opening game of the World Cup against Haiti on June 14.
The Nottingham Forest ‘keeper did himself few favours in that debate for the winning goal, though, as he went to ground too early and allowed Ito’s tame effort to trickle into the net.
Scotland are back in action on March 31 when they face the Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and have one more outing at Hampden against Curacao in June before travelling across the Atlantic for the World Cup. AFP
