Japan had a convincing 3-1 victory over United Arab Emirates in their AFC Asian Cup Group B match in Hanoi. Striker Naohiro Takahara scored twice. Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura added a third goal from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime. The Gulf Cup holders managed a consolation goal in the 66th minute through Saeed Al Kaas. "It was so hot that it was hard to play... 45 minutes was difficult enough," said Japan's Bosnian coach Ivica Osim. "But obviously the ball never gets tired. It was important that we had about 95 percent of the possession and just wore UAE down by controlling the tempo."