Japan Defeated Venezuela in Hiroshima Friendly
Japan secured a 2-1 victory over Venezuela after a late penalty goal in their international friendly match.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
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Japan defeated Venezuela 2-1 in Hiroshima during an international friendly match. A VAR review proved decisive when officials overturned a penalty awarded to Venezuela, ultimately granting a penalty to Japan in the 96th minute.
Why it matters
The match highlighted the impact of VAR technology in high-stakes international competition. Ayase Ueda secured the win for Japan with his second goal of the match during stoppage time.
Kevin Kelsy netted his first goal for Venezuela in the 46th minute during his seventh international appearance. Ayase Ueda scored for Japan in the 49th minute before clinching the victory with a 96th-minute penalty.
The players
Kevin Kelsy
He is a 22-year-old forward who recently transferred to Rangers for £9.5 million.
Ayase Ueda
He is a professional footballer who scored two goals to lead Japan to victory.
Luis Balbo
He provided the assist for Venezuela's lone goal in the friendly match.
The details
Luis Balbo assisted Kevin Kelsy, who converted a low finish to open the scoring. The match remained tied until the final moments when a VAR review reversed a penalty opportunity for Venezuela, shifting the momentum toward Japan.
Timeline
Kevin Kelsy scored his first goal for Venezuela in the 46th minute.
Ayase Ueda scored for Japan in the 49th minute.
Japan scored the winning penalty in the 96th minute.
Kevin Kelsy scored his first Rangers goal on September 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The use of VAR continues to reshape match outcomes in international friendlies by allowing referees to adjust penalty calls in real-time. This result impacts the momentum for both national teams as they prepare for future competitive qualifiers.
The result confirms the current form of Japan as they leverage late-game substitutions and VAR reviews to close out tight matches. Fans tracking international squads should note the continued reliance on video review systems to determine match-deciding penalties.
The takeaway
Technological intervention through VAR is increasingly defining the final minutes of international friendlies. Players like Kevin Kelsy are using these appearances to build their reputation on the global stage following major club transfers.
Further reading
For more updates on global football, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Scottish Sun.
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