Japan 1-0 Iceland Player Ratings: Koki Ogawa Saves The Day For The Blue Samurai In A Hard-Fought Victory

It was the Kirin Challenge Cup game in which Japan took on Iceland in an international friendly at the MUFG Stadium. The Blue Samurai clinched a 1-0 victory at the very end, ultimately crushing Iceland's hopes of a draw.

The Japan national football team was the one that looked more in control of the game, with sleek passing and more fluidity in their overall game. They created a lot of chances but were unable to get past Iceland's Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson in goal.

For a team that hasn't qualified for the World Cup, the Iceland national football team played their heart out. Valdimarsson stood firm and thwarted attacks from the likes of Takefusa Kubo, Junya Ito, and Ayase Ueda, who were the players with the most goal contributions for Japan in the qualifiers.

Ultimately, in the 86th minute, Yukinari Sugawara's cross found substitute Koki Ogawa in the box, whose header gave Japan the lead in the match. Although Japan won the game at the end, Hajime Moriyasu will want his players to be more clinical in the World Cup games if they want to go past the Round of 16 barrier.

Here are the Japan vs Iceland Player Ratings from the recently concluded International friendly.

Japan National Football Team Player Ratings vs Iceland

Check out the Japan National Football Team Player Ratings from the Japan vs Iceland Player Ratings.

Iceland National Football Team Player Ratings vs Japan

Have a look at the Iceland National Football Team Player Ratings from the Japan vs Iceland Player Ratings.