Glasgow: Scotland’s first outing since ending a 28-year wait to qualify for the World Cup ended in defeat as Junya Ito’s late strike earned Japan a 1-0 win at Hampden Park.
In a stark contrast to the jubilant scenes that accompanied a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark in November to secure the Tartan Army’s trip to North America, a subdued atmosphere contributed to a tame encounter.
Japan continued their impressive form in friendlies since securing qualification a year ago, which includes a first ever win over Brazil in October, as Ito scored the only goal six minutes from time.
Scott McTominay had Scotland’s best chance of the match inside the opening 10 minutes, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Zion Suzuki. Japan then slowly began to take control to extend Scotland’s miserable record of not having won a home friendly for the past 10 years.
Angus Gunn made a fine save from Ito when the Genk forward ran clear on goal just after the hour mark.
Gunn faces a battle with 43-year-old Craig Gordon to be Steve Clarke’s number one for Scotland’s opening game of the World Cup against Haiti on June 14. The Nottingham Forest ‘keeper did himself few favours in that debate for the winning goal, though, as he went to ground too early and allowed Ito’s tame effort to trickle into the net.
