Japan vs Uruguay: Late Stoppage‑Time Goals Seal 3‑1 Win on Forlan's Debut

Japan vs Uruguay: Late Stoppage‑Time Goals Seal 3‑1 Win on Forlan's Debut

Match Overview

On 24 September 2026 Japan hosted Uruguay in an international friendly at Rifu, Miyagi. The match ended 3‑1 to the hosts and marked the managerial debut of former striker Diego Forlán for Uruguay. Japan took an early lead, Uruguay equalised before half‑time, and the game appeared headed for a draw until two stoppage‑time goals from substitutes turned the result.

Key Moments

• 12′ – Kuryū Matsuki opened the scoring after a line‑breaking long ball from the left flank, cutting inside and firing from outside the box.
• 42′ – Maximiliano Araújo levelled for Uruguay on the stroke of half‑time, converting a rebound after Darwin Núñez’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa.
• 90+1′ – Kento Shiogai netted his first senior goal after a precise assist from substitute Ayase Ueda.
• 90+5′ – Ayase Ueda sealed the win, latching onto a whipped low cross from Hiroki Itō, drawing defender Nahitan Nandez and goalkeeper Santiago Mele towards him before poking the ball under them into an empty net.

Forlán's Debut Reaction

After the final whistle Forlán described the late collapse as “a real shame” and insisted the scoreline flattered Japan, noting his side created several chances despite a draining trans‑Pacific journey (Goal.com). Uruguay were also without key midfielder Federico Valverde, who missed the game through injury (Sportstar).

Tactical Notes

Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu introduced Shiogai and Ueda off the bench just before the end of regular time, a move that proved crucial. The substitutes combined for both late goals, with Ueda providing the assist and then scoring himself five minutes later. Uruguay, missing Valverde, struggled to cope with Japan’s high press after the break and conceded defensive lapses in added time.

Verification and Context

The final score of 3‑1 is confirmed by both Sportstar and Goal.com, which list the goal scorers as Kuryū Matsuki, Maximiliano Araújo, Kento Shiogai and Ayase Ueda (Goal.com) (Sportstar). Forlán, who succeeded Marcelo Bielsa as Uruguay head coach, told reporters that he expected an uphill battle against a Japanese side he had faced during his playing days at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, praising their well‑drilled structure (Goal.com). The match was played in front of a limited crowd due to stadium regulations, but was streamed live on international feeds.

Upcoming Fixtures

Japan will next host Venezuela and Ecuador in further friendlies, while Uruguay travel to South Korea for a friendly on 28 September before a scheduled match in Kolkata on 6 October. As the game was a friendly, the result does not affect official FIFA rankings or tournament qualification.