Both sides hit woodwork in the first half but Hajime Moriyasu’s side created more opportunities after the break and substitute Ito shot past keeper Angus Gunn in the 84th minute to break the deadlock and leave Scotland winless in four meetings against Japan. Junya Ito opens up the scoring for Japan. Scotland fell short against Japan (Andrew Milligan/PA)Suzuki then parried a drive from Robertson past the post as Scotland stepped up the pace. The visitors’ threat intensified and Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean cleared a dinked shot from Ito off the line in the 69th minute before Hirst hit the side netting with a drive. Findlay Curtis replaced Conway to make his debut in the 80th minute but four minutes later Genk midfielder Ito burst into the Scotland box to beat Gunn from 12 yards and end the stalemate.

Source: The Herald March 28, 2026 19:15 UTC