The China Mail - Kamada helps Japan ease past Bolivia in friendly

Kamada, who has yet to score for his club this season, struck with a sweet left-foot finish in the fifth minute at Japan's National Stadium.

Substitute Shuto Machino added another midway through the second half before fellow replacement Keito Nakamura made it three.

It gave Japan their third straight friendly win, including a first victory over Brazil, as they look to build momentum ahead of next year's World Cup.

Bolivia also have a chance to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

They will compete in an intercontinental playoff in March after finishing seventh in South American qualifying.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, taking charge for the 100th time, made seven changes to the team that beat Ghana 2-0 in a friendly on Friday.

Striker Koki Ogawa, handed a rare start ahead of regular centre forward Ayase Ueda, fluffed a golden chance in the second minute with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Kamada gave his team-mate a lesson in finishing three minutes later, taking the ball down on his chest before firing a shot inside the far post for Japan's opener.

Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra denied Ogawa again when he tipped the striker's header against the crossbar, before Takumi Minamino went close with the follow-up.

Fernando Nava almost scored with Bolivia's first attack of the game on the half-hour mark when he caught Japan napping in defence.

Machino put Japan two ahead just minutes after coming off the bench, turning home Nakamura's cross from close range.

Nakamura added another after making space for a shot with some deft footwork inside the Bolivia box.

P.Ho--ThChM