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Ao Tanaka helps Japan complete Venezuela comeback
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- Ao Tanaka helps Japan complete Venezuela comeback
Ao Tanaka helps Japan complete Venezuela comeback
Ao Tanaka helped Japan complete a dramatic comeback as Ayase Ueda's stoppage-time winner secured a 2-1 victory over Venezuela in Hiroshima.
The Leeds United midfielder was introduced at half-time at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, with the Samurai Blue trailing after Kevin Kelsy opened the scoring in the 46th minute.
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They were level just three minutes after falling behind, with Ueda finding the net in the 49th minute to bring Japan back into the contest.
Ueda then completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, striking in the 96th minute to secure victory for Japan.
Tanaka, earning his 43rd cap for his country, was neat and efficient in possession during his 45 minutes on the pitch, recording 26 touches and completing all 24 of his passes with 100 per cent accuracy. The 28-year-old also made three recoveries and one block.
Japan will be back in action on Thursday 1 October, when they face Ecuador, with kick-off scheduled for 11:10am BST.
