Japan defeated New Zealand 2-1 in the Kirin Cup final at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Monday afternoon, with former Celtic star Daizen Maeda playing a key role. The result ended the hopes of three Scottish Premiership players in the New Zealand squad.
George Stanger, Alex Paulsen and Jesse Randall all suffered Kirin Cup final heartbreak with New Zealand. The Kilmarnock defender and on-loan Motherwell keeper both started the game for the All Whites, while the Dundee United winger came on for the last 15 minutes.
Maeda sets up opener as Japan strike first
Japan went ahead after Maeda set up Ayase Ueda for the opener before Ben Old equalised in the first half. Ritsu Doan scored what proved to be the winner in the second period for the Japanese.
New Zealand's starting XI boasted Chris Wood and former Motherwell favourite Elijah Just. They had beaten Panama on penalties in the semi-final.
Well-travelled All Whites in international window
Darren Bazeley's side has been well-travelled in this international window. Prior to that, the World Cup finalists had two games in China. They drew 2-2 with Palestine and then beat China 3-0.
Killie defender Stanger had made his debut in the first match and made his first start against China. The trio will now start to make the 5,750 trip back to Scotland over the next 24 hours.
Return to Scottish Premiership action
Randall will be part of the United team that hosts Hibs, Stanger will be in Killie's squad that takes on Rangers and Paulsen will be back in the firing line when Motherwell entertain Celtic.
It meant that New Zealand were unable to replicate Scotland's success in the Kirin Cup back in 2006, under Walter Smith. New Zealand have two games at home against India next month. They will make history by playing at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch for the first time in the second game.
