Japan vs Uruguay - Friendly International

Japan struck early through Kuryu Matsuki but were pegged back by Maxi Araújo just before halftime, setting up a tense second half despite Uruguay controlling the game statistically with double the shots and six on target to Japan's two. Both managers turned to their benches heavily after the break, with ten substitutions between the two sides reshaping the contest, and Japan's goalkeeper came up big with five saves to keep the scoreline level. It was Hiroki Ito, already booked for a foul, who popped up in the 90th minute to steal the win for Japan against the run of play. For Uruguay, the result stings given their territorial and chance-creation edge, while Japan will take confidence from grinding out a result despite being outplayed for large stretches.