Singapore 0 vs 3 Japan| Match Report

Mu Kanazaki scored a maiden Japan goal in his first
international for five years, while Keisuke Honda was
also on target to down Singapore.
Japan satisfied coach Vahid Halilhodzic's desire for "revenge"
with a commanding 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over
Singapore.
The four-time Asian champions were held to a goalless draw by
their opponents in Saitama in June and their veteran Bosnian
boss was keen to see a much-improved performance in the
return fixture.
He was not disappointed as goals from recalled forward Mu
Kanazaki and the excellent Keisuke Honda were the least Japan
deserved for a classy and dominant first-half showing.


Despite persistent pressure, Japan had to wait until the 88th
minute for Southampton defender Maya Yoshida to add a third –
crowning a fourth consecutive qualifying success that edges
them a point ahead of Syria at the top of AFC Group E.

Singapore goalkeeper Izwan bin Mahbud was beaten for the first
time in the 20th minute following sustained attacking play from
a Japan line-up making light of key duo Shinji Kagawa and
Shinji Okazaki looking on from the bench.

Honda's lofted cross was headed down by Yoshinori Muto and
Kanazaki took the ball on his chest before rifling a left-footed
strike into the top corner.

Having marked his first international appearance for five years
with a maiden goal, Kashima Antlers striker Kanazaki could
have quickly added a second when he glanced wide another
dangerous delivery from the right by Yosuke Kashiwagi.

Izwan got down to shovel a Honda free-kick out of the bottom
corner, but the AC Milan midfielder was celebrating in the 26th
minute as he crowned a sweeping team move with the aid of a
deflection.

Kanazaki then pulled wide from inside the area and captain
Makoto Hasebe – wearing a head bandage after being caught
by Safuwan Baharudin's flailing arm – fizzed a drive past the
post as Japan threatened to pull further clear.

That theme continued in the second period as Honda sent a
close-range header over in the 47th minute.

On a rare venture into Japan territory, Singapore almost pulled a
goal back – Safuwan heading a hopeful free-kick narrowly wide
– before Muto's scissor-kick attempt from Honda's volleyed
cross did not achieve the desired result.

Japan's attacking fluency briefly faded during the closing
stages and Hafiz Abu Sujad wasted a headed opportunity –
Singapore's clearest chance from open play.
It was a fleeting moment of encouragement for the hosts as the
offside flag denied Kanazaki a brace and Izwan plunged to his
left to magnificently deny Honda.

Yoshida knew little about it when he added his name to the
scoresheet – substitute Takashi Usami sending a drive through
a crowded area that struck the centre-back on the shins and
trickled home.

Singapore lie third in the group, two points behind Syria having
played a game more.