Japan players celebrate after scoring their first goal in the 2-0 victory over Egypt in the first round of FIFA U-20 World Cup on Saturday. Photo: FIFA's official website.
Defender Rion Ichihara gave the young Samurai the lead from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, before forward Hisatsugu Ishii sealed the victory three minutes after the break.
Egypt have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Chile, New Zealand, and Japan in the tournament, which runs from 27 September to 19 October.
The Young Pharaohs started the match cautiously, allowing Japan to control the tempo early on, though the Asian side failed to create any clear chances.
Egypt grew into the game after the 15-minute mark and began to threaten Japan's goal, testing goalkeeper Alexandre Pisano with a series of long-range efforts that lacked accuracy.
In the 25th minute a reckless challenge by Seif Safaga presented Japan with a penalty, which Ichihara converted confidently into the bottom-left corner.
The second goal came shortly after halftime when Shunsuke Saito dispossessed Safaga and delivered a precise cross to Ishii, who fired a right-footed shot from outside the area to secure the win for Japan.
Egypt will return to action against New Zealand on Tuesday before closing the group stage against Chile on 4 October.
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