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International Friendlies
There were also wins for fellow FIFA World Cup-bound Australia and Islamic Republic of Iran. Jordan played to a draw with Nigeria while Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia suffered defeats.
The Samurai Blue ended their long wait for a maiden success over England thanks to Mitoma's early strike in the FIFA World Cup warm-up.
Japan had lost twice and drawn once in their previous meetings with England, but in the first clash between the countries since 2010, Hajime Moriyasu's side enjoyed an evening to remember.
Japan had lost twice and drawn once in their previous meetings with England, but in the first clash between the countries since 2010, Hajime Moriyasu's side enjoyed an evening to remember.
Currently 18th in FIFA's world rankings, Japan are on a five-match winning streak that includes an impressive victory over Brazil in October and a 1-0 win in Scotland on Saturday.
Beaten in the last-16 in four of the last six World Cups, Japan have set their sights on reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
Beaten in the last-16 in four of the last six World Cups, Japan have set their sights on reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
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England failed to get going and their lethargy was punished by a vibrant Japan counter-attack in the 23rd minute.
Cole Palmer carelessly conceded possession to Mitoma in the Japan half and the Brighton forward pounced, starting a rapid raid that sliced through the England defence.
Ben White was caught out of position as Mitoma found Keito Nakamura on the left flank, before making a perfectly-timed into the England area to slot home with a clinical finish from 12 yards.
Cole Palmer carelessly conceded possession to Mitoma in the Japan half and the Brighton forward pounced, starting a rapid raid that sliced through the England defence.
Ben White was caught out of position as Mitoma found Keito Nakamura on the left flank, before making a perfectly-timed into the England area to slot home with a clinical finish from 12 yards.
Nestory Irankunda scored twice in Australia's 5-1 defeat of Curacao in their FIFA Series tie in Melbourne.
Awer Mabil opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but were shocked by Curacao's equaliser five minutes into the second half with substitute Arjany Martha slotting home.
However, Circati’s goal in the 67th minute restored Australia’s lead with Jordy Bos (71st) and Irankunda (80th, 84th) then scoring to ensure the Socceroos clinched the Australian leg of the FIFA Series.
China PR finished fourth following a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon.
Awer Mabil opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but were shocked by Curacao's equaliser five minutes into the second half with substitute Arjany Martha slotting home.
However, Circati’s goal in the 67th minute restored Australia’s lead with Jordy Bos (71st) and Irankunda (80th, 84th) then scoring to ensure the Socceroos clinched the Australian leg of the FIFA Series.
China PR finished fourth following a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon.
Mehdi Taremi scored twice as Iran cruised past Costa Rica with a 5-0 win, with the Central Asian side racing to a four-goal lead by half-time.
Jordan, preparing for their FIFA World Cup debut, settled for a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. Korea Republic were edged 1-0 by Austria while Saudi Arabia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Serbia, who came from behind to notch the victory.
Photos: AFP
Jordan, preparing for their FIFA World Cup debut, settled for a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. Korea Republic were edged 1-0 by Austria while Saudi Arabia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Serbia, who came from behind to notch the victory.
Photos: AFP
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