Japan’s J.League representatives played a major part in their country earning a 6-0 victory over Afghanistan in World Cup 2018 qualifying action on Tuesday night.

Shinji Kagawa opened the scoring in the 10th minute, before FC Tokyo defender Masato Morishige doubled the Samurai Blue’s lead thanks to Keisuke Honda’s efforts keeping the ball in play.

Cerezo Osaka midfielder Hotaru Yamaguchi then assisted Shinji Okazaki’s first goal five minutes after half time, with Gamba Osaka striker Takashi Usami next cutting back to Honda for Japan’s sixth and final goal.

Urawa Reds goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa also managed to keep a clean, while Shonan Bellmare midfield talent Wataru Endo earned his first cap with the senior national team as a late substitute.

The landslide result at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium puts Japan in second place in Group E behind Syria, who have nine points from three games.