TOKYO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Javier Aguirre's debut as Japan coach ended with a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay Friday in a friendly played in Sapporo, Japan.

Edinson Cavani gave the visitors the lead in the 34th minute, taking advantage of poor defending by Tatsuya Sakai and beating goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima with a sliding kick.

Another weak clearing attempt allowed Abel Hernandez to make it 2-0 in the 71st with a close-range effort through the legs of Kawashima.

Japan's best chance came with three minutes remaining when Yoshinori Muto hit the post with a left-footed shot from the top of the area.

Japan will play Venezuela in another friendly in Yokohama next Tuesday.

Japan, the Asian champions, failed to go through group stage at the Brazil World Cup with one point from three games.