Shinji Kagawa was among the goals as Japan defeated New Zealand 4-2 in an international friendly earlier today.
The Manchester United midfielder played the role of provider in the fourth minute when he lofted a pass through for Shinji Okazaki to break the deadlock, before Kagawa doubled his nation's advantage from the penalty spot in the eighth minute.
Quickfire goals from Masato Morishige and Okazaki then put Japan four goals to the good by the 17th minute, although Leicester City striker Chris Wood reduced the arrears before the break.
The 22-year-old also added a second goal for the Kiwis 10 minutes from time, but his contribution failed to inspire a late fightback.
"We played well for the first 30 minutes and were able to execute our gameplan. After that, our pace slowed and New Zealand made a game of it," said Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni.
At this summer's World Cup, Japan will take on the Ivory Coast, Greece and Colombia in the group stages.
Liam Apicella
