Japan have beaten Ecuador 1-0 after substitute striker Hisato Sato scored six minutes from time to give Japan a 1-0 home-win over their fellow World Cup finalists in a warm-up international friendly in Oita, Japan on Thursday.

Both Hisato Sato and Seiichiro Maki were brought on by Japan head coach Zico in the 76th minute, which rejuvenated Japan's attacking options after Ecuador more than matched their opponents in the first-half.

The substitution paid-off in the 84th minute after Japanese midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara capitalised on poor defending by Ecuador to feed Brazilian-born defender Alex on the left wing, who crossed low into the centre for Sato to pass the ball past Ecuador keeper Mora from close range.

“It was a great ball in from Alex that made it easy for me to score," said Sato to reporters after the match.

Ecuador started the game well and Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi came to Japan's rescue in the 32nd minute when he tipped a ferocious 30-metre drive from midfielder Edwin Tenorio onto the crossbar from which, the resulting corner came to nothing.

That saw the home side gradually gaining the upper hand and from that point on, turned out to be as close as Ecuador would get to scoring.

Japan did have some golden chances that they failed to capitalise on. Striker Tatsuhiko Kubo had a toe-poke go wide, with fellow striker Keiji Tamada’s effort being saved by Ecuador goalkeeper Cristian Mora.

Kubo came close again with a header from an Alex cross in the 67th minute, but Mora managed to tip the ball away.

Japan head coach and Brazilian legend Zico said after the game: “I was really pleased with the way the defence performed and how Kawaguchi played.

“The defenders put in a great effort and really helped the whole team perform well.”

Japan have been drawn in Group F in the World Cup Finals, alongside Brazil, Australia and Croatia.

Ecuador face the hosts Germany, Costa Rica and Poland in Group A of the tournament which kicks-off on June 9.

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