Japan too strong for HK in cup qualifier
(11-18 20:55)
Japan remain firmly on course for the 2011 Asian Cup after they overcame a spirited Hong Kong 4-0 in a one-sided qualifier.
A trademark left-footed free-kick from Espanyol midfield star Shunsuke Nakamura was the highlight of an easy win for the Blue Samurai against the whipping boys of Group A at a half-full Hong Kong Stadium.
The home side are all but out of the running for a place in the finals after their fourth loss in as many matches.
Japan, who have qualified for next year's World Cup in South Africa, opened the scoring through Makoto Hasebe, pictured right against Poon Yiu-cheuk, on 32 minutes.
Substitute Hisato Sato then headed home unmarked on 74 minutes and Nakamura grabbed the third before Shinji Okazaki slotted home an injury-time penalty.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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