The hosts dominated play for the entire match and their narrow win did not reflect the complexion of the game
Japan winger Takefusa Kubo admits his side struggled against South Africa in their Group A 1-0 win at Ajinomoto Stadium.
The Real Madrid starlet was ‘relieved’ they finally managed to break South Africa in a dominant display which almost turned into disappointment owing to a list of missed chances.
Kubo’s 71st-minute goal decided the game.
Editors' Picks
It was a contest in which Japan could have won by a wider margin had they been clinical in front of goal.