Javier Aguirre scraped his first win in three games as Japan coach, after an own goal by Jamaica gave the Asian champions a 1-0 victory at home on Friday.
The Blue Samurai squandered several chances against the “Reggae Boyz”, but an own goal from Nyron Nosworthy in the 16th minute proved decisive.
Japan were beaten 2-0 by Uruguay and were held 2-2 by Venezuela last month in their first two games under the Mexican, who took charge following the side’s World Cup flop in Brazil.
“I feel calm, relaxed as always,” Aguirre told reporters after the game in Niigata, which was watched by 39,000. “We created five or six more chances to score, which was pleasing.”
Japan, who have one eye on the defence of theirAsian Cup title in January, will need to improve before a glamour friendly against Brazil in Singapore on October 14.
“We won’t get as many opportunities against Brazil as we did today,” added Aguirre. “We will have to be more clinical when chances come our way.”
Japan talisman Keisuke Honda clipped the bar in the 33rd minute while playmaker Shinji Kagawa was lively on his return to the national side, blazing wide on two occasions as the home side continued to press, but once again a lack of end product will have given Aguirre plenty to ponder. – Agence France-Presse
