Canada narrowly defeated Japan by a one-goal margin in its final practice match before the World Cup. The game, played at the Al-Maktoum stadium in Dubai, ended with a final score of 2-1.
Canada is the Red Devils’ first opponent at the World Cup in Qatar.
The match did not start well for Canada, as they faced a deficit after only nine minutes, when Yuki Soma scored for Japan. However, the Canadians drew level thanks to a 21st-minute goal by defender Steven Vitória.
It was not until the 95th minute that substitute Lucas Cavallini was able to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot.
Both Canada and Japan had players from the Belgian league. For the Japanese, goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt (STVV) stayed on the bench for 90 minutes. Ayase Ueda (Cercle Brugge) was substituted after halftime.
For Canada, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge) were among the starters while Liam Fraser (Deinze) remained on the bench for 90 minutes.
Japan will compete at the World Cup in Group E, with Germany, Spain and Costa Rica. Its first group match is on 23 November, against Germany.
Canada is in Group F with Belgium, Morocco and Croatia. The North American squad plays its first World Cup 2022 match against the Belgians on 23 November.
