Japan continues winning streak with victory over Turkey
Keito Nakamura was Japan’s star man on Tuesday’s friendly match as his two goals helped the Samurai Blue to a comprehensive 4-2 win over Turkey at the Luminus Arena in Genk, Belgium.
Japan’s win on Tuesday meant that Hajime Moriyasu’s men had won all four of their most recent four matches, which included a 4-1 demolition of Germany at their own home turf that led to the sacking of Der Panzer manager Hansi Flick.
Japan manager Moriyasu implemented significant changes to the lineup that faced Germany. He positioned Glasgow Celtic danger man Kyogo Furuhashi as the striker and awarded debut caps to defenders Seiya Maikuma and Koki Machida.
Ao Tanaka assumed the role of captain instead of Wataru Endo, who started the match on the bench. The Japanese team, composed of several backup and fringe players, took command of the game early on against Turkey, who were managed by Stefan Kuntz.
In the 15th minute, defensive midfielder Atsuki Ito opened the scoring with a powerful strike from outside the box. As he cut in from the right, he executed an exchange of passes with Ritsu Doan before launching a shot that left Turkey’s keeper Ugurcan Cakir with no chance.
Thirteen minutes later, midfielder Nakamura extended the Samurai Blue’s lead, slotting in a rebound from close range after Cakir could only parry a powerful shot from Takefusa Kubo.
Debutant Maikuma was instrumental in Japan’s third in the 36th minute, winning a challenge and flying down the right before sending a cross that Reims man Nakamura side-footed home from the middle of the area.
Furuhashi had chances to add to his international tally but fired wide midway through the first half and hit the post early in the second.
A mistake from Japanese goalkeeper Kosuke Nakamura during a set piece led to former Liverpool flop Ozan Kabak’s 44th minute goal. The Portimonense stopper fumbled an initial header off the free kick before Kabak came charging in to nod home from close range.
The goalkeeper appeared to take a heavy knock to the shoulder as the pair collided and was replaced in goal by Daniel Schmidt.
Bertug Yildirim made it 3-2 in the 61st minute for a resurgent Turkish side before former Genk winger Junya Ito put the result beyond doubt by winning a penalty and converting from the spot in the 78th minute at his former stomping ground.
