Leeds United favourite makes off-the-bench impact in international cup triumph over ex-Elland Road striker

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka made a positive impact in 25 minutes off the bench as Japan beat New Zealand 2-1 in the Kirin Cup final on Monday.

Tanaka got his first start of the international break in Thursday’s penalty-shootout win over Ecuador which earned Japan a place in the final. But the midfielder returned to the bench for the showpiece event, replaced by Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada.

After a cagey opening, Japan went ahead inside 28 minutes when LOSC Lille striker Ayase Ueda finished from close range. The striker fortunately saw the ball land at his feet from a cross before firing an effort into the roof of goalkeeper Alex Paulsen’s net.

But a poor error from Daizen Maeda allowed Benjamin Old to level just minutes later. The Japan forward passed straight to former Leeds striker Chris Wood, who carried the ball into the final third before setting up his teammate who had flown forward from left-back.

Tanaka was introduced just after the hour mark, replacing Takefusa Kubo. And the Leeds midfielder almost made an instant impact, arrowing a left-footed shot from just outside the box towards goal until it was tipped over the bar by Paulsen.

And the midfielder had another good moment shortly after, winning possession just outside the New Zealand box and bursting forward to receive a pass. His low cross was unable to find a teammate but it was a good start from the Elland Road favourite whose presence certainly made an impact.

That momentum then paid off when Japan took the lead in the 71st minute, albeit Tanaka wasn't directly involved. The goal came from fellow substitute Keito Nakamura, whose low cross from the left found captain Ritsu Doan at the back post to tap into an open net from close range.

Japan were well on top from that moment and thought they’d scored a third just a few minutes later, with Ueda finishing well after a slick move through the heart of the New Zealand defence. But the striker was adjudged to have been millimetres offside.

Tanaka had another decent long-range effort in the 86th minute after a loose ball fell his way. The Leeds man struck well from 25 yards but his shot was straight at goalkeeper Paulsen, who collected with ease.

Japan saw out the final minutes with ease to win 2-1 and claim the Kirin Cup. Tanaka will now return to West Yorkshire ahead of Leeds’ weekend trip to Premier League champions Arsenal.