Yasuyuki Konno celebrated a dream return to the Japanese national team with a goal as his side came away from UAE with a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win.

The Samurai Blue are now second in the AFC qualifying table for Russia 2018, as Yuya Kubo netted his maiden international goal with the opener from Hiroki Sakai’s pass in the 13th minute.

Eiji Kawashima was instrumental to victory as he saved while one-on-one against Ali Mabkhout shortly after.

And Kubo proved decisive once more as his cross found its way to Gamba Osaka veteran Konno, who turned home at the far post with his third strike in Japan colours.

Following a key victory, Vahid Halilhodzic’s men now head into their next qualifier against Thailand on Tuesday at Saitama Stadium in high spirits.