Canada beats Japan in its final World Cup tune-up match

• Canada 2 (Vitória 21; Cavallini 90'+5’), Japan 1 (Soma 9’)
• Hutchinson starts for Canada, subbed out after 60 minutes
• Johnston sets team record with 28th consecutive appearance

The Canadian men's team will head to the FIFA World Cup with a bit of wind in its sails after giving as good as it got against perennial World Cup side Japan on Thursday.

Canada came from behind to earn an important 2-1 win against Japan in an international friendly at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in its last warm-up game before the World Cup. Defender Steven Vitória and Lucas Cavallini scored for Canada who now sports a record of seven wins, four losses and one draw in 2022.

The game appeared to be headed for a draw when Richie Laryea was fouled and brought down inside the box deep into injury time. Fellow substitute Cavallini converted from the penalty spot, as Japanese goalkeeper Shūichi Gonda managed to get a piece of his Panenka attempt but couldn’t keep it out.