Scotland began their World Cup preparations with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Japan at Hampden on Saturday.
Consequently, Steve Clarke’s side failed to replicate the heights of their famous win over Denmark in November.
Both teams hit the woodwork during a pulsating first half in Glasgow. However, substitute Junya Ito eventually settled the contest with a clinical 84th-minute winner. The Genk forward burst into the box after slick passing opened up the Scottish defence.
He fired a low shot into the bottom corner despite the best efforts of Angus Gunn. Scotland’s best opportunity arrived early when Scott McTominay met a John McGinn cross.
Nevertheless, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a superb save to turn the shot onto the post. Japan gradually took control as the visitors forced Scotland to defend deep.
Ao Tanaka nearly opened the scoring, but his first-time effort flicked the crossbar. Moreover, Steve Clarke used the fixture to hand opportunities to several fringe squad members.
Japan sink Scotland with late winner in Hampden friendly
Nathan Patterson returned to international action after a challenging period sidelined by injuries.
Tommy Conway started on the left while Kilmarnock’s Findlay Curtis made his international debut.
However, the lack of a clinical edge in attack remains a significant concern for the manager. John McGinn has now failed to score for his country since November 2024.
Furthermore, neither Lyndon Dykes nor George Hirst provided a definitive answer to Scotland’s striker dilemma.
“There’s a lot to take from the performance,” Clarke said in his post-match conference.
“To lose it on the goal that we lost is disappointing.” He added that the game seemed destined to finish as a goalless draw before Ito’s strike.
Scotland now face Ivory Coast on Tuesday at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. Meanwhile, Japan head to Wembley to face Thomas Tuchel’s England.
Clarke suggested multiple changes are expected as players battle for a World Cup spot.
The manager must find a way to sharpen his attack before the tournament begins in June. Under Moriyasu, Japan have now lost only five of their last 40 matches.
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See Also- Eight players leave England camp ahead of Japan clash
