Japan wins Kirin Cup with 2-1 victory over All Whites

The All Whites have lost the Kirin Cup final against Japan, despite putting on a brave defence.

The hosts proved too strong for the New Zealanders at Tokyo National Stadium, with Ritsu Doan's close-range winner settling the contest after excellent work from Keito Nakamura down the left.

Watch the replay of last night's match free on TVNZ+

Japan's Ayase Ueda opened the scoring in the 28th minute, with a goal from Ben Old four minutes later levelling the game.

Like the World Cup, the All Whites were asked to defend for long spells and were largely successful in repelling deliveries into the box.

However, once the game became more stretched, Japan proved too dangerous in the area, and the All Whites couldn't hold on with Doan scoring in the 71st.

New Zealand's international window now comes to a close with the players set to return to their clubs.

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The All Whites will next be back in action at home in November, taking on India in a two-match series, first at Go Media Stadium before making history with their first-ever match at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

- Additional reporting by 1News