In Sendai, where Japan’s northern autumn was settling around the Q&A Stadium Miyagi, Diego Forlán’s first night in charge of Uruguay ended in a late collapse. The former striker’s interim side matched Japan for most of an international friendly on Thursday, but conceded twice in stoppage time to lose 3-1.
Forlán has taken temporary command of the senior national team for Uruguay’s opening fixtures after the 2026 World Cup. His first selection began with Santiago Mele in goal; Nahitan Nández, Ronald Araújo, Mathías Olivera and Juan Manuel Sanabria across the defence; Brian Rodríguez, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur and Maximiliano Araújo in midfield; with Federico Viñas alongside Darwin Núñez up front.
Japan struck first after 11 minutes through Kuryu Matsuki. Uruguay recovered before the interval, however, as Maximiliano Araújo found the equaliser in the 42nd minute and gave Forlán’s side a foothold in the contest.
The new coach reshaped his team during the second half. Flamengo midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta came on in the 23rd minute of the half, replacing Viñas, while his Flamengo club-mate Guillermo Varela remained among the substitutes and did not enter the match.
With the score still level deep into added time, Japan pulled away. Kento Shiogai restored the home side’s advantage in the 47th minute of the second half, before Ayase Ueda added a third four minutes later to complete the 3-1 result.
The setback leaves Forlán with a difficult opening result, but his first evening on the Uruguay bench also marked the beginning of a new post-World Cup international window for La Celeste.
