Junya Ito scored a late winner as an impressive Japan side defeated Scotland 1-0 in a friendly at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Steve Clarke's hosts struck the post through talismanic midfielder Scott McTominay early on, but Japan – who face the Netherlands in their Group F opener on June 14 – grew into the contest and looked a dangerous outfit.

They also hit the woodwork and forced multiple saves from Angus Gunn before Genk winger Ito collected a pass from fellow substitute Kento Shiogai and tucked home with 84 minutes on the clock, with Scotland unable to muster a response. 

Scotland's first threatening foray saw John McGinn pick out McTominay six yards out, but Zion Suzuki diverted the Napoli star's effort against the upright.

The woodwork was also rattled at the other end after a flowing Japan move in the 37th minute, with Ao Tanaka's side-footed attempt bouncing off the top of the crossbar following an intelligent lay-off from Kodai Sano.  

More fluid movement from the visitors led to Sano firing over, while Yuito Suzuki arguably should have done better when Gunn beat his shot away just before half-time.

Andy Robertson saw a strike beaten away early in the second half, but it was Japan that maintained the higher intensity despite making a swathe of substitutions, and only a sprawling save from Gunn denied Ito in the 67th minute. 

But Ito took his next chance, jinking onto Shiogai's offload and squeezing a reverse finish across the line despite Gunn getting a touch on the ball, to earn Japan a deserved victory.

Elsewhere, World Cup co-hosts Canada came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Iceland, with Juventus forward Jonathan David converting two penalties.

Senegal, meanwhile, paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France, in protest of CAF's controversial decision to strip them of the title. They went on to beat Peru 2-0, with Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr on target.

Data Debrief: Influential Ito ends goal drought

Ito's goal was his 15th for Japan, on his 67th international outing, and it ended a run of 12 games without scoring for his country since netting against China in September 2024.

Since the start of 2023, no player has been involved in more goals for Japan in more competitions than Ito, who has six goals and 16 assists in that span.

And the victory was no more than Hajime Moriyasu's team deserved, having racked up 18 shots and 2.14 expected goals, compared to eight shots and 0.87 xG for Scotland.

Scotland will continue their World Cup preparations against Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, while Japan face England.