[REVISION HISTORY]

Japan and Venezuela international football friendly

Updated 18 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-29 09:18 UTC → 2026-10-03 08:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Japan secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Venezuela in an international ~~friendly,~~ friendly as part of the Kirin Challenge Cup ~~2026, held~~ 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.~~ Japan, which Ueda converted ~~the penalty~~ 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 ~~at halftime~~ 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. ~~While the victory highlighted emerging talent,~~ Following this, Japan continued its run in the ~~team continues to manage player availability and fitness ahead of upcoming fixtures.~~ Kirin Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, eventually progressing via a 5-4 penalty shootout victory.

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