[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [SPORTS]

4 clusters · 41 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Japan and Venezuela international football friendly

Overview

Japan secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Venezuela in an international friendly as part of the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. Following a scoreless first half, Venezuela took the lead in the 46th minute through Kevin Kelsy. Japan responded in the 49th minute when Ayase Ueda equalized. The match concluded in controversy during stoppage time when a VAR review overturned a potential penalty for Venezuela and instead awarded one to Japan, which Ueda converted to seal the win.

This decision drew sharp criticism from Venezuelan defender Jon Aramburu and coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, who described the officiating as ‘shame’ and ‘disrespectful,’ suggesting the match was prepared to favor the host nation. However, Aramburu later signaled a reconciliation with Japanese player Takefusa Kubo by posting social media photos of them exchanging jerseys and sharing a meal.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu utilized a rotated squad, providing senior international debuts for goalkeeper Leo Brian Kokubo, as well as Shuto Nakano, Mitsuki Kumasaka, and Shunsuke Saito. Kokubo maintained a clean sheet during his first 45 minutes before being substituted for Ayase Suzuki (noted in later reports as Zion Suzuki) as part of a tactical plan to manage substitution limits.

The match was marked by several injuries, including Mitsuki Kumasaka, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and Junnosuke Suzuki. Analysts noted concerns regarding squad depth after the team was forced to play with ten men late in the game because Watanabe was unable to continue. Following this, Japan continued its run in the Kirin Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, eventually progressing via a 5-4 penalty shootout victory.

Entities

Venezuela national football team · Japan national football team · Takefusa Kubo · Ecuador national football team · Hajime Moriyasu

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Japan national football team secures wins against Venezuela and Ecuador

    Japan's national football team secured wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in recent friendlies, marked by a jersey exchange between Takefusa Kubo and Venezuelan defender John Alanbur following earlier tensions.

  2. [SPORTS] 12 sources
    Japan national football team defeats Venezuela 2-1

    Japan defeated Venezuela 2-1 in a Kirin Challenge Cup friendly, led by two goals from Ayase Ueda and the senior international debut of goalkeeper Leo Brian Kokubo.

  3. [SPORTS] 37 sources
    Japan defeats Venezuela 2-1 in controversial Hiroshima friendly

    Japan defeated Venezuela 2-1 in a friendly in Hiroshima, a match decided by a controversial late VAR decision that overturned a Venezuelan penalty to award one to Japan.

  4. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Japan and Venezuela to face off in international friendly

    Japan enters their international friendly against Venezuela as the favorite, backed by an eleven-match unbeaten home streak and superior expected goals metrics.

Sources

1000noticias.com.py · a-d-c.com.ar · balonazos.com · ciudadmcy.info.ve · cnpo.org.mx · diez.bo · eldiariony.com · elperiodicodemonagas.com.ve · eltiempove.com · eluniverso.com · expreso.ec · fnn.jp · football-zone.net · footballchannel.jp · hirospo.com · hochi.news · hsmdeportes.com · japan.football-tribe.com · kaigai.ch · khelnow.com · meridiano.com.ve · meridiano.net · nacion.com.uy · news.cube-soft.jp · news.mynavi.jp · nnn.ng · noticiasaldiayalahora.co · prensafutbol.cl · primicia.com.ve · qoly.jp · sakanowa.jp · smart-flash.jp · soccerdigestweb.com · sofoot.com · spacemoney.com.br · sportschosun.com · sportsmole.co.uk · sportsvenezuela.com · studiofutbol.com.ec · tokyo-sports.co.jp · web.gekisaka.jp

This summary has been updated 18 times: see revision history