Uruguay beat Japan 2-0 in international friendly

Sapporo: Uruguay spoiled Javier Aguirre's debut as Japan coach, beating the Asian champions 2-0 on Friday in a friendly.

Edinson Cavani gave the visitors the lead in the 34th minute, taking advantage of poor defending by Tatsuya Sakai and beating goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima with a sliding kick.

Another weak clearing attempt allowed Abel Hernandez to make them 2-0 in the 71st with a close-range effort through the legs of Kawashima.

Japan's best chance came with three minutes remaining when Yoshinori Muto hit the post with a left-footed shot from the top of the area.

Japan, who were eliminated in the first round of the World Cup with one point from three games, next faces Venezuela in another friendly in Yokohama on Tuesday.