Japan made the worst possible start to its preparations for next month's crucial World Cup qualifiers after being stunned 1-0 by a weakened Peru side in the opening match of the annual Kirin Cup tournament Sunday.
Peru defender Portilla and Japan's Yasuhito Endo battle for the ball during Sunday's Kirin Cup
match at Niigata Stadium.
Despite dominating most of the match at Niigata Stadium Big Swan, Japan lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and was punished when substitute Gustavo Enrique Vassallo raced home to fire the winner deep into stoppage time.
"We were at home and had the support behind us so naturally Peru were going to hang back and look for the counterattack and that's just what we expected," said Japan coach Zico.