Kuryu Matsuki earns second Japan cap in Kirin Cup final win | OneFootball

Kuryu Matsuki won his second senior cap for Japan with a late cameo in their 2-1 victory over New Zealand. According to Daily Echo, the Southampton forward featured as a substitute as the Samurai Blue lifted the Kirin Cup.

Japan reached the final after beating Ecuador on penalties following a goalless draw. New Zealand advanced by edging Panama 5-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Ayase Ueda put Japan ahead, Ben Old levelled, and Ritsu Doan struck the winner to settle the final in Tokyo. Matsuki entered in the 87th minute.

Matsuki impressed on debut before the tournament, starting and scoring in a 3-1 win against Uruguay. He then missed the squad for the 2-1 victory over Venezuela and was an unused substitute against Ecuador.

The 23-year-old is expected to return to England to prepare for Sunday’s south coast derby against Portsmouth at St Mary’s.

Source: Daily Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”