Japan outclassed Belgium 4-0 to lift the Kirin Cup yesterday, giving its World Cup qualifying preparations the perfect boost.

Yuto Nagatomo, Kengo Nakamura, Shinji Okazaki and substitute Kisho Yano were on target as Japan totally dominated the Belgians in Tokyo to win the three-team competition.

The three-time Asian champion, which thrashed Chile by the same 4-0 scoreline in midweek, can clinch its place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa if it beats Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Saturday.

(Shanghai Daily June 1, 2009)