Japan Defeats Iceland 1-0 in Friendly After New Substitution Rule Reduces Iceland to 10 Men

Japan defeated Iceland 1-0 in a friendly match after Iceland was reduced to 10 men when winger Isak Thorvaldsson was prevented from entering the field. Koki Ogawa scored the only goal in the 87th minute by heading the ball, 1 minute and 54 seconds after officials blocked Thorvaldsson from rejoining play. The match served as a warm-up fixture ahead of the World Cup.

The International Football Association Board introduced the time-limited substitution rule ahead of this summer's tournament to address time-wasting. Under the rule, substituted players must leave the pitch at the nearest boundary within 10 seconds of being signalled off. Failure to meet the deadline means the incoming player cannot enter until the next stoppage and must wait at least 60 seconds.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said the team handled the new rule adjustments with almost no issues. He added that players will not necessarily return to the pitch as quickly as before and that the squad must avoid creating openings for opponents. Moriyasu also addressed the three-minute hydration breaks scheduled for each half.

He said the team must organise key points and communicate them clearly during those breaks, noting that effective use of the time could affect match outcomes. Additional regulations include five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks, with possession potentially awarded to opponents for delays. Players requiring medical attention must remain off the pitch for 60 seconds.

VAR officials can now review corner decisions and second yellow card dismissals. Japan's World Cup opener is scheduled against the Netherlands on June 14.