Diego Forlan’s Uruguay Debut Ends in 3-1 Loss to Japan

Diego Forlan’s first match in charge of Uruguay ended in a 3-1 defeat to Japan in Miyagi, where two stoppage-time goals turned an even contest decisively in the hosts’ favour.

Kuryu Matsuki gave Japan an early lead, but Maximiliano Araujo restored parity just before the interval after Uruguay had worked their way back into the match. The visitors then lost control in added time, with Kento Shiogai and Ayase Ueda both scoring past goalkeeper Santiago Mele.

Quick facts

• Japan beat Uruguay 3-1 in Miyagi.
• Kuryu Matsuki opened the scoring for the home side.
• Maximiliano Araujo equalised on the verge of half-time.
• Kento Shiogai and Ayase Ueda scored in stoppage time.
• Uruguay will play South Korea in Seoul on Monday, September 28.

Forlan said the final margin was harsh on his players, particularly after the demands of their journey across the Pacific. He felt Uruguay had created enough opportunities in both halves to take more from the fixture.

“It is a big difference considering the way the match developed,” Forlan said. “We had several chances in the first half and the second half. I am very thankful to the players because they made a huge effort after such an exhausting trip.”

He added that the performance had reflected that commitment, even if the scoreline did not. “They played very well, but football can be like that. The result does not show what the game was, although those are the rules and we have to accept them.”

The Uruguay coach also praised Japan’s organisation under Hajime Moriyasu, whom he faced during his own spell with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the J.League.

Forlan described Moriyasu as a coach who values combination play and has built a clearly structured national side over his time in the role. He believed the contest had remained closely balanced until Japan punished Uruguay’s late defensive lapse.

“It was a very even game,” he said. “It is a shame they took advantage of those chances in stoppage time and ended up winning.”

Uruguay now move on to Seoul for their second match of the trip against South Korea. The meeting on September 28 will offer Forlan’s squad an immediate opportunity to respond while managing the effects of a demanding long-haul schedule.