Takayuki Suzuki and Atsushi Yanagisawa both scored second-half goals as Japan defeated Slovakia 3-1 in the opening game of the three-nation Kirin Cup on Friday evening.
Midfielder Takashi Fukunishi scores the first of Japan's three goals against Slovakia in their Kirin Cup match on Friday at Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium. Japan won 3-1.
Jubilo Iwata midfielder Takashi Fukunishi headed Japan into the lead on the stroke of halftime only for Peter Babnic to silence the home fans at Hiroshima Big Arch with an equalizer for the visitors in the 65th minute.
But Kashima striker Suzuki, starting in place of injured Tatsuhiko Kubo, hit back seconds later and former club teammate Yanagisawa came off the bench to seal the win in the first of two warmup games for the upcoming Asian Cup.