The Vitesse forward headed in the only goal of the game in the 69th minute at the Niigata Stadium.

It was a solid win for Japan ahead of their World Cup qualifier at home to Iraq on Tuesday, with Alberto Zaccheroni's men leading Group B after winning two of their opening three games.

CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda had the best chances in the first half as Japan failed to find an opener.

But it came through Havenaar with just over 20 minutes left as he headed in a cross from Yuichi Komano.

"The result was important but equally important was to measure where we are before the Iraq game," Zaccheroni said after his team's win.

"There were positives and negatives to take from tonight but we can go away and analyse the performance now. It was important to check the condition of the team and individual players."

Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa was substituted at half-time.

Elsewhere, Sweden overcame China 1-0 in Helsingborg thanks to a second-half goal from Johan Elmander.

The Galatasaray striker netted two minutes after the interval as Sweden completed preparations for their opening World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

In the other game on Thursday, Tajikistan stunned Qatar with a 2-1 victory.

More to follow...