Japan got defeated 2-1 to Canada in its final warm-up friendly before the World Cup in Qatar, giving up a decisive penalty to the North Americans in injury time at Dubai’s Al-Maktoum Stadium. Second-half substitute Miki Yamane could have been heroic but rather turned out to be villainous as he tripped Mark-Anthony Kaye in the box, making Lucas Cavallini slot the winner from the spot in the 95th minute. Nagoya Grampus winger Yuki Soma provided the Samurai Blue with the lead via his athletic prowess in the eighth minute, flying through air to volley home a ball over the top from Gaku Shibasaki.
Junior Hoilett out-swung a kick taking a tap from Atiba Hutchinson before Steven Vitoria shot home the equalizer from directly in front. The Japanese side lacked finesse as it just showed offered limited hints about team selections.