InsideJapan News Network

Japan made a stunning start to their Kirin Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory over Chile in Osaka on Wednesday.

Shimizu S-Pulse striker Shinji Okazaki netted a first-half brace to put the Blue Samurai in control.

The hosts then wrapped up the victory over their beleaguered South American opponents with a header from Urawa Reds midfielder Yuki Abe and a late strike from VVV-Venlo star Keisuke Honda.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada will no doubt have been delighted with the manner of the win against a team who currently sit above Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifying group.

The result was achieved without injured trio Shunsuke Nakamura, Daisuke Matsui and Marcus Tulio Tanaka.

All three are likely to miss out again when Japan face Belgium in Tokyo in the final match of the friendly tournament on Sunday, but should be ready to play in next month's World Cup qualifiers against Uzbekistan, Qatar and Australia.

Written by Mark Smith


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