TOKYO: Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada was on target as World Cup-bound Japan cruised past Bolivia 3-0 in a friendly in Tokyo on Tuesday to end the year on a high.
Kamada, who has yet to score for his club this season, struck with a sweet left-foot finish in the fifth minute at Japan’s National Stadium.
Substitute Shuto Machino added another midway through the second half before fellow replacement Keito Nakamura made it three.
It gave Japan their third straight friendly win, including a first victory over Brazil, as they look to build momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Bolivia also have a chance to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
They will compete in an intercontinental playoff in March after finishing seventh in South American qualifying.
Japan coach Hajjime Moriyasu, taking charge for the 100th time, made seven changes to the team that beat Ghana 2-0 in a friendly on Friday.
Striker Koki Ogawa, handed a rare start ahead of regular center forward Ayase Ueda, fluffed a golden chance in the second minute with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Kamada gave his team-mate a lesson in finishing three minutes later, taking the ball down on his chest before firing a shot inside the far post for Japan’s opener.
Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra denied Ogawa again when he tipped the striker’s header against the crossbar, before Takumi Minamino went close with the follow-up.
Fernando Nava almost scored with Bolivia’s first attack of the game on the half-hour mark when he caught Japan napping in defense.
Machino put Japan two ahead just minutes after coming off the bench, turning home Nakamura’s cross from close range.
Nakamura added another after making space for a shot with some deft footwork inside the Bolivia box.
Kamada helps Japan ease past Bolivia in friendly
https://arab.news/5h2cs
Kamada helps Japan ease past Bolivia in friendly
- Kamada struck with a sweet left-foot finish in the fifth minute at Japan’s National Stadium
- Substitute Shuto Machino added another midway through the second half
Australia injury woes continue with skipper Marsh ruled out of World Cup opener
- Former captain Steve Smith will join squad in Sri Lanka as cover while Travis Head captains team
- Marsh sustained direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week, Cricket Australia says
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening game of their Twenty20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday with a groin injury, Cricket Australia (CA) said.
Steve Smith will now join the squad in Sri Lanka as cover, with fellow batsman Travis Head captaining the side at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and Matthew Renshaw coming into the team.
Marsh sustained a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week and is experiencing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement, the board added.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice,” CA said in a statement.
Head said at the toss later that Marsh was unlucky to miss out and appeared to play down the seriousness of the injury. He did not give a timeline for his teammate’s return.
“Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out for him,” Head joked after winning the toss and opting to bat.
“He’s the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It’s nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we’re looking forward to going well.”
Australia are also without fast bowler Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the event after failing to recover from a niggling back injury. Fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood lost a race to be fit after Achilles and hamstring injuries.
Mitchell Starc has quit the format, leaving them without their top quick bowlers.
The big-hitting Tim David was also ruled out of the first game as he returns from a hamstring strain.
The 2021 champions take on Zimbabwe in their second match on Friday.
