Mike Havenaar scored in the second half on Thursday as Japan beat the United Arab Emirates 1-0 in a friendly.
Havenaar broke in behind UAE's defenders and headed in Yuichi Komano's cross in the 70th minute at Big Swan Stadium.
Japan used the match as a warm-up for a Sept. 11 qualifier against Iraq for the 2014 World Cup.
''There were some positives and negatives but the most important thing was to check the condition of the team,'' Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said.
Japan is five points ahead of Iraq, Australia and Jordon in Group B following a 3-0 win over Oman, a 6-0 victory against Jordan and a 1-1 draw away to Australia.
The UAE, already eliminated from qualifying for the World Cup, rarely threatened Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima after Rashed Eisa's low drive early in the first half.
Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa started Thursday's match for Japan but played only the first half.
