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
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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
Late Nandez winner keeps Al-Qadsiah’s title hopes alive
- Al-Qadsiah move to 47 points, 3 behind leaders Al-Hilal, who are yet to play on Matchday 22
- Al-Taawoun fairytale run loses steam as Pericles Chamusca’s side continue difficult spell
RIYADH: All signs pointed to an unlikely title charge for Al-Qadsiah when they held Al-Hilal to a 2-2 draw in Dammam at the end of January.
Since then, it has been a testing period for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
While they remain unbeaten under the Northern Irishman, Al-Qadsiah have struggled to replicate their earlier intensity as fatigue begins to take its toll.
Despite those challenges, Al-Qadsiah have collected seven points from their last nine, with a dramatic late winner from Nahitan Nandez securing a valuable 1-0 victory over a resilient NEOM side. The road to those three points was anything but easy.
Al-Qadsiah should have been ahead inside three minutes. A high press initiated by Julian Quinones and Mateo Retegui forced NEOM goalkeeper Luis Maximiano into a costly error, with his attempted clearance falling straight to the Italian. The 2024/25 Serie A top scorer struck the post with the goal at his mercy, allowing NEOM to breathe a sigh of relief.
What followed was a tactical battle between Rodgers and Christophe Galtier.
The hosts made a few changes from their previous outing, with Nandez occupying the right flank instead of Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, while Ali Hazazi slotted into midfield.
NEOM mirrored the system, with their wingers tracking Nandez and Christopher Bonsu Baah as they dropped into a 5-4-1 defensive shape. Faris Abdi was a key outlet for the visitors, surging down the left flank on multiple occasions to support Luciano Rodriguez and Alexandre Lacazette.
It was Rodriguez and Lacazette who fashioned NEOM’s most dangerous chances of the night.
In the 38th minute, Koen Casteels denied Rodriguez with a powerful save. Minutes later, a cutback found Lacazette inside the box, but Casteels was again equal to the effort.
The Belgian emerged as the standout performer, making seven saves to keep Al-Qadsiah in contention. His efforts almost went unrewarded, however, as Retegui failed to convert further chances and Quinones endured his first game in 10 without a goal contribution.
Al-Qadsiah eventually grabbed the winner in the dying moments when a cross from Bonsu Baah was flicked on by new signing Waleed Al-Ahmed into the path of Nandez. The Uruguayan powered home what could prove to be the most valuable goal of the season, keeping Al-Qadsiah firmly in the title hunt.
Elsewhere, Damac enjoyed a perfect start under new manager Fabio Carille, as the Knights from the South secured their second win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Al-Taawoun.
Yakou Meite scored twice to give Damac their first win since late December, while Al-Taawoun drifted further from the top four after another match without victory.
The result moves Damac three points clear of Al-Riyadh in 16th place, easing immediate relegation concerns.
Meanwhile, Omar Al-Somah continued his pursuit of the all-time Saudi Pro League scoring record with a late winner for Al-Hazem. The hosts defeated Al-Okhdood 2-1 to climb temporarily into 11th, 12 points clear of the drop zone.
Saudi Pro League action returns on Friday, with Al-Shabab hosting Al-Ahli in Riyadh, Al-Hilal welcoming Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad facing Al-Fayha to close out the day’s action.
