Ogawa's Late Header Seals Japan's Narrow Victory Over Iceland
Japan secured a late 1-0 win over Iceland in Tokyo, thanks to Koki Ogawa's 87th-minute header. The match marked the end of Japan's home preparations for the World Cup, with Maya Yoshida receiving a special send-off. Japan's next challenge is against the Netherlands on June 14.
Devdiscourse News Desk | May 31 (Reuters) - Japan Eked Out A Late 1-0 Win Over Iceland In Tokyo On Sunday Through Koki Ogawa's 87Th-Minute Header As Hajime Moriyasu's Side Closed Out Their Home-Based Preparations For The World Cup With A Barely Deserved Victory. Ogawa Was One Of 11 Substitutions Made By Moriyasu In A Match That Had The Mood Of A Testimonial With Maya Yoshida Granted A Final Appearance For The Samurai Blue Almost Four Years After His Previous Game For Japan.The 37-Year-Old Left The Pitch To A Guard Of Honour In The 13Th Minute And Passed The Captain's Armband To Wataru Endo | Updated: 31-05-2026 18:12 IST | Created: 31-05-2026 18:12 IST
In a dramatic finish, Japan edged out a 1-0 victory over Iceland in Tokyo, with Koki Ogawa's decisive header in the 87th minute capping their preparations for the upcoming World Cup on home soil.
The match, which resembled a testimonial, was significant for Maya Yoshida, who received a heartfelt guard of honor in the 13th minute. Wataru Endo, returning from injury, took over as captain, while Takehiro Tomiyasu made a much-awaited return to the lineup.
Despite relentless pressure and early threats from Japan, it was Ogawa's late strike that sealed the win. With this victory, Japan heads into their eighth consecutive World Cup, ready to face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in the group stage.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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