Türkiye defeated 4-2 in friendly match with Japan
Türkiye's forward Bertuğ Yıldırım (3rd L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the friendly football match between Japan and Türkiye at the Cegeka Arena in Genk, eastern Belgium, on Sept. 12, 2023. (AFP Photo)


Japan defeated Türkiye's national team 4-2 in a friendly football match in Belgium Tuesday.

Japan scored the opener in minute 15 at Genk's Cegeka Arena when midfielder Atsuki Ito fired outside the area to beat goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.

Keito Nakamura doubled the gap in the 28th minute. Eight minutes later, Nakamura, who was unmarked in the box, scored the third goal for Japan.

Near the end of the first half, Turkish defender Ozan Kabak scored to narrow the gap to two goals.

In minute 61, Türkiye were encouraged after Bertuğ Yıldırım scored from close range. The Japanese defense were unable to clear the ball from the area as Turkish forward Yıldırım was in the right place to score.

Yıldırım scored a late equalizer in his Turkish debut in a UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round match on Sept. 8 against Armenia that ended 1-1 after he signed with French club Rennes in August.

In the 76th minute, Junya Ito scored on a penalty kick for Japan.