Honda Fires Japan to Easy Win Over Mild Chile

A year playing football in a less demanding, but physical, league seems to have done Keisuke Honda the world of good. He was instrumental in Japan's comfortable 4-0 win over an under-strength Chile in a last night's friendly at Nagai Stadium. His fierce shot led to the first goal, as Okazaki pounced on the 'keeper's fumbled save to fire Japan into an early lead.

Okazaki added a second before half time, when defender Nakazawa played him through with an inch-perfect pass, as he burst between two defenders to fire past the hapless Chile custodian. Yuki Abe snuffed out any South American hopes of a revival in the second half, as he powered home a typically powerful header from a corner. Honda then rounded off his evening's work, with a neat finish in extra time, to open his account for Japan. Although he started to tire late in the half, he was still able bury Naoki Yamada's lay-off with an instant curling shot into the far corner.

Other Views

Japan Times: Some like it hot / Japan warms up for 2010 qualifying with rout of Chile

Goal.com: Japan Thrash Chile in World Cup Warm-up