Japan defeat Iceland in World Cup send-off through late Ogawa header

Japan secured a late 1-0 victory over Iceland in Tokyo on Sunday, with Koki Ogawa's 87th-minute header sealing a barely deserved win. The match served as the Samurai Blue's final home preparation before the World Cup.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu made 11 substitutions during the game, which had the atmosphere of a testimonial. This included a final appearance for Maya Yoshida, who played for Japan almost four years after his previous match. The 37-year-old defender left the pitch to a guard of honor in the 13th minute, passing the captain's armband to Wataru Endo. Liverpool midfielder Endo returned to the lineup after an injury-plagued season.

Takehiro Tomiyasu also started in defense for the first time in nearly two years, continuing to build his fitness for Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on June 14. Despite early threats from Keito Nakamura and pressure from Takehiro Kubo and Nakamura again, Japan struggled to break down the Icelandic defense. Logi Tomasson and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson had chances for Iceland, while goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson made several key saves for the visitors.

Japan, who will compete in their eighth consecutive World Cup, are grouped with the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. The team's performance against Iceland highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for the challenging group stage.

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Betrayal of the homeland and cooperation with the enemies of the Iranian nation is a stain of shame for which the law has prescribed deterrent punishments.