Japanese champions Nagoya had claimed just one point from their opening two J.League matches but put in an improved display on Friday, with Kennedy the catalyst for the opener.

The Socceroo's hard work set up Keiji Tamada for the opener on 32 minutes.

The big Australian was at it again on 82 minutes, when his back-heel set up Tamada for the second.

Kennedy played a full game in the victory which moves Nagoya up to 10th.

Elsewhere in the J.League on Friday, Alex Brosque put in an enterprising display as a 66th-minute substitute as Shimizu S-Pulse drew 1-1 at Yokohama F. Marinos.

Eddy Bosnar also returned to the Shimizu starting line-up, playing a full game in defence.

Meanwhile, Matthew Spiranovic started as Urawa Reds lost 1-0 at Vegalta Sendai.

In China's Super League, Adam Griffiths started and played 76 minutes as Hangzhou Greentown went top with a 2-1 win over Shenzhen Ruby.

Elsewhere, Adam Kwasnik started and played 83 minutes as Chengdu Blades won 1-0 at Tianjin Teda, while Dean Heffernan put in a full shift as Liaoning Whowin lost 2-1 at Guangzhou.

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Ante Covic played a full game as IF Elfsborg won 2-0 at GAIS Goteborg.

In Germany's 2.Bundesliga, Nikita Rukavytsya was an unused sub as promoted Hertha BSC lost 2-1 at home to 1860 Munich.

In Holland's Eerste Divisie, James Holland started and played 66 minutes as Sparta Rotterdam won 1-0 at AGOVV.

In Turkey's Super Lig, Mile Jedinak was absent as Genclerbirligi drew 1-1 at Sivasspor.

In Ireland's Premier Division, Chris O'Connor put in a full shift in goals as Bohemians lost 2-0 to Derry City.