OSAKA: Forward Yoshito Okubo scored two goals in the first half Wednesday, leading Japan to a 4-1 win over Egypt in an international friendly.
Okubo opened the scoring in the 21st minute at Nagai Stadium and then doubled the lead three minutes before the break when he headed in a centering pass from Yasuhito Endo.
We played well as a team and from that standpoint, I m pleased, said Japan coach Ivica Osim. I have big hopes for this team next year.
Mohamed Fadl scored the lone goal in the 58th minute for the African champions, who were playing without many of their top players.
Ryoichi Maeda and Akira Kaji added goals after the break to complete the scoring for Japan.
Japan finished a disappointing fourth at the Asian Cup in July. The team will begin its bid to reach a fourth straight World Cup in February when it joins the Asian qualifying competition for the 2010 finals in South Africa.
