Japan 2-0 USA: Gregg Berhalter's side make a lackluster start to World Cup prep

Gregg Berhalter's USMNT team fell to a 2-0 defeat by Japan in their first World Cup warm-up game Friday.

The United States were lackluster and second best throughout the friendly in Germany as they gear up for Qatar in two months' time.

Daichi Kamada broke the deadlock with a fine first-time finish in the 24th minute and Kaoru Mitoma sealed a comfortable victory with a late goal.

USA's star man and captain Christian Pulisic did not dress because of an unspecified injury and his absence was felt.

The US Soccer Federation said Pulisic was out 'because of a knock he took in training earlier this week.'

The USSF said it was too soon to determine whether he will be available for Tuesday's friendly against Saudi Arabia in Murcia, Spain.

Berhalter's side was short of ideas in attack and made multiple errors at the back in what was a difficult test.

Japan dominated the first half and took the lead through Kamada with the attacker coolly finishing past USA and Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Kamada was judged to be offside by the linesman but the goal was given following intervention by VAR. He was denied by Turner in the 13th minute before giving the Samurai Blue the lead 11 minutes later when he calmly slotted home after Hidemasa Morita's lay-off.

Things improved slightly for USA in the second half as they enjoyed more possession but they struggled to do anything meaningful with the ball and conceded another late on.

Japan substitute Kaoru Mitoma added its second after some good individual play down the left flank and then curling a right-footed shot past Turner and into the bottom right corner.

Turner ensured the United States were not on the end of a heavier defeat with a string of fine saves in the second half.

The 28-year-old kept out a 55th minute effort from Junya Ito before denying Kamada a second of the game 10 minutes later. He then tipped substitute winger Ritsu Doan's shot over the bar.

But there was nothing Turner could do to prevent Mitoma from adding Japan's second in the 88th minute.

Tim Weah, Yunus Musah, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Zack Steffen also were not in the squad because of injuries. Miles Robinson will miss the World Cup because of a torn Achilles.

Gio Reyna was in the starting lineup for the first time for the US since the opening World Cup qualifier at El Salvador on September 2, 2021.

The 19-year-old Reyna injured a hamstring in that match, leading to repeated recurrences that wrecked his 2021-22 season. Reyna wore jersey No. 21, the number his father, former US captain Claudio Reyna, wore 42 times.

Turner was in goal, Sergino Dest at right back, Walker Zimmerman and Aaron Long partnered at central defender for the 10th time and Sam Vines was at left back. Tyler Adams was in central midfield, Weston McKennie and Luca de la Torre in central midfield, Reyna and Brenden Aaronson on the wings and Jesus Ferreira at forward.

Because of injuries and suspensions, Pulisic, Adams and McKennie have started together only four times: a 2019 friendly against Ecuador, World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Canada in January, and a June friendly against Uruguay.

Leeds star Aaronson showed glimpses of his ability in the final third but there were limited options going forward.

The Americans, back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, open against Wales on November 21, play England four days later and close the first round against Iran on November 29. USMNT plays its final warm-up for Qatar on Tuesday.

Relive Sportsmail's live blog for USA's friendly with Japan as it prepares for the World Cup in Qatar in two months' time.