Shoya Nakajima's and Takumi Minamino's first-half goals led Japan to a 2-0 win away over Myanmar as the Samurai Blue opened their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a victory.
Japan picked apart the Myanmar defense early and often, slowed nearly as much by Thuwanna YTC Stadium's soggy pitch as they were by their opponents in the first half. The second half of the Preliminary Round 2 Group H clash, however, was a different story as the hosts found new energy and confidence.
"We failed to add that extra goal that would ensure a win," head coach Hajime Moriyasu said. "And that's something we have to address moving forward. World Cup qualifying is a long hard road, but we can only deal with one game at a time, be prepared and ready to compete at our highest level."