Japanese trio thrill skipper

– Skipper Maya Yoshida was thrilled with Japan’s “historic” 4-3 win over Uruguay on Tuesday but said his side still have a lot of room for improvement.

Inspired by the young, vibrant trio of attacking midfielders Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino (above) and Ritsu Doan, who came into the game with just nine caps between them, the Japanese dominated the world’s fifth-ranked side and could have scored more than four.

Ranked 54th in the world, they have won all three of their games under new boss Hajime Moriyasu and the victory suggested they are on the right track ahead of January’s Asian Cup.

Kyodo News quoted Yoshida as saying: “Of course we conceded three goals, which shouldn’t happen, but I think it was a historic victory for us.”

Japan have friendlies lined up against Venezuela and Kyrgyzstan before they begin their campaign for a fifth Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates.

Added Yoshida: “I’m really positive about them.” – Reuters

Tokyo