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Tanaka helps Blue Samurai to Kirin Cup success
- Story by
- Tanaka helps Blue Samurai to Kirin Cup success
Tanaka helps Blue Samurai to Kirin Cup success
Ao Tanaka helped Japan claim the 2026 Kirin Cup after the Blue Samurai defeated New Zealand 2-1 in Tokyo.
The Leeds United midfielder was introduced in the 64th minute, replacing Takefusa Kubo, with the hosts level at 1-1 at MUFG Stadium.
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Japan had taken the lead midway through the first half when Ayase Ueda fired home in the 28th minute, but New Zealand responded just four minutes later through Ben Old, who finished after being played through by Chris Wood.
The sides remained level at the break, with Japan making a triple substitution shortly after the hour mark as Tanaka, Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito were brought on.
Tanaka made an immediate impact and almost restored Japan's lead two minutes after his introduction, seeing a powerful effort tipped over the crossbar by New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.
Japan continued to press and eventually found the decisive goal in the 71st minute.
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Nakamura drove forward down the left before delivering a low cross into the area, where Ritsu Doan arrived at the far post to fire home and put the hosts back in front.
New Zealand pushed for a second equaliser in the closing stages, but Japan held firm to secure the 2-1 victory and lift the Kirin Cup.
For Tanaka, the appearance was his fourth of the current international window, having also featured in Japan's victories over Uruguay and Venezuela before playing 79 minutes in the semi-final victory over Ecuador.
The 28-year-old now returns to Leeds United with a winner's medal after helping Hajime Moriyasu's side complete a successful international window.
