Tanaka features in late Japan win on second international appearance

Satoshi Tanaka made his second appearance for Japan as they beat Venezuela 2-1 in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Monday (28/9). The Schalke midfielder was called into action after just eight minutes, replacing the injured Koki Kumasaka. It was Tanaka’s second cap for the Samurai Blue after making his debut against China in July 2025.

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A close-up of Satoshi Tanaka.

LOSC Lille striker Ayase Ueda scored twice at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima to turn the game around for Japan. Kevin Kelsy (46’/ Rangers) put Venezuela ahead, but Ueda levelled four minutes into the second half before scoring the winner from the penalty spot six minutes into added time. Tanaka had already been substituted by that stage, with head coach Hajime Moriyasu bringing on Kaina Tanimura as Japan went in search of a winner at 1-1.

It was the second time in as many games that Japan had left it late. They also struck in added time to beat Uruguay 3-1 on Thursday (24/9), scoring twice after the 90-minute mark. Tanaka was an unused substitute in that game.

Japan are back in action on Thursday (1/10), when Tanaka and his teammates take on Ecuador in Yokohama. Kick-off is at 12:10 CEST.

Hwang features for 45 minutes against Uruguay

Hee Chan Hwang was also in action on Monday, starting South Korea’s 4-1 defeat to Uruguay. The Schalke striker earned his 84th cap at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and played the opening 45 minutes.

Uruguay went into the break 3-0 ahead after goals from Darwin Núñez (13’/Diriyah Club) and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (27’/Flamengo), either side of an own goal from FC Bayern’s Min-Jae Kim (43’). Núñez added his second of the game in the 62nd minute, with Kang-In Lee (80’/Atletico Madrid) scoring South Korea’s only goal late on.

South Korea’s next game is against Venezuela. They meet in Ulsan on Friday (2/10), with kick-off at 13:00 CEST.

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