Shinji Kagawa scores as Japan lose to Jordan

A goal from Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa could not prevent Japan from slumping to a 2-1 defeat in their World Cup qualifier against Jordan this afternoon.

Strikes either side of the break from Khalil Bani Attiah and Ahmed Hayel put Jordan, who had started the match bottom of Group B, in the ascendancy.

The Blues responded and eventually reduced the deficit through Kagawa with 21 minutes left to play at the Ammam International Stadium.

They then missed a good chance to level up proceedings two minutes later when Yashuhito Endo failed to score from the penalty spot.

The victory has moved Jordan up to second in the standings, six points behind leaders Japan.