Japan Edge Scotland in Friendly as Ito Secures Late Winner

The Japan national football team claimed a valuable 1-0 victory over the Scotland national football team in an international friendly at Hampden Park in Glasgow, as both sides continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Junya Ito found the net to seal the win for the visitors after a tightly contested encounter.

The match also marked a personal milestone for Andy Robertson, who made his 91st appearance for Scotland, equaling the long-standing record of Jim Leighton. The all-time appearance record remains held by Kenny Dalglish with 102 caps.

Scotland entered the match with high confidence after securing qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. 

Head coach Steve Clarke used the fixture to assess his squad, particularly aiming to address inconsistent performances at home.

Japan, meanwhile, delivered another disciplined performance, continuing a strong run of results in both Asian qualifiers and friendly matches. 

The team has impressed with its tactical organization, quick passing, and attacking efficiency.

The Japanese side has scored 23 goals and conceded just three in their last 10 qualifying matches, highlighting a balanced approach that could make them a formidable opponent for European teams in the upcoming tournament.