New Zealand were beaten 2-1 by Japan in the Kirin Cup final on Monday. The defeat in Yokohama extends the All Whites' winless run ahead of a key World Cup qualifying phase.
Ayase Ueda opened the scoring for the hosts after 28 minutes, but New Zealand responded quickly. Ben Old levelled the match just four minutes later, finishing from a Chris Wood assist. Japan dominated possession and created more chances, with Ritsu Doan scoring the decisive goal in the 71st minute after an assist from Keito Nakamura.
Coach Darren Bazeley set his side up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, but they were largely on the back foot. Japan recorded 24 shots to New Zealand's five and enjoyed 75 per cent of the ball. Both sides had a player booked in the second half, with Elijah Just receiving a yellow card for New Zealand.
They will aim to end their winless run when they host India in a friendly match at Wellington's Sky Stadium on 12 November.
