Japan secure late comeback win over Venezuela in Kirin

Japan overturned an early deficit to win 3-1 against Venezuela in a Kirin Challenge Cup friendly, with late goals securing the victory. The match at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima was the first meeting between the sides since 2019 and served as key preparation for Japan's upcoming AFC Asian Cup campaign.

Japan scored two goals in the final moments of the match to seal the 3-1 result. This followed a 3-1 victory over Uruguay days earlier, where Kento Shiogai scored in second-half stoppage time before Ayase Ueda added another. Against Uruguay, Japan had taken an early lead through Kuryu Matsuki in the 11th minute, assisted by Keito Nakamura, but conceded an equalizer to Maxi Araujo before halftime.

Team context and motivation

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu used the fixture to widen his pool of options before next January's AFC Asian Cup. The entire four-match international window serves as an audition for the final Asian Cup squad.

For Venezuela, head coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo named a 34-man squad for a wider Asian tour. The squad, built around Yangel Herrera of Real Sociedad and Telasco Segovia of Inter Miami, continues a selection policy that has omitted experienced attackers Salomon Rondon, Yeferson Soteldo, and Jefferson Savarino since matches earlier this year. Venezuela, who have never reached a FIFA World Cup, face South Korea and Jordan in October.

Player availability and selection

Japan's squad was impacted by injury. Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was ruled out of both Kirin Challenge Cup fixtures and October's Kirin Cup matches due to a calf injury. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who missed the Uruguay win with a rib issue, returned to full training and was expected to start. Moriyasu named a 31-man squad built around twenty World Cup veterans, with Takefusa Kubo, Ao Tanaka, and Junya Ito all available.

Venezuela included CF Montreal midfielder Daniel Pereira in their squad, though he was a fitness doubt. Vizcarrondo again left out Rondon, Soteldo, and Savarino.

Notable player contributions

Striker Ayase Ueda, who plays for LOSC Lille, scored Japan's third goal after coming on against Uruguay. The 28-year-old has 19 goals in 44 appearances for his country. Ayase Ueda said: "He will be deployed as a striker once again. The player will look to threaten the opponent’s defence at all costs."

For Venezuela, 23-year-old midfielder Telasco Segovia was highlighted as a key creative option capable of scoring goals. Telasco Segovia said: "He will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against the Japanese."

Japan will use this fixture as part of their preparation for the January AFC Asian Cup, with Moriyasu continuing to evaluate his options.