NIIGATA (Japan), June 1: Japan survived a late salvo from Peru to cling on for a 0-0 home draw on Wednesday in their first full international since winning a record fourth Asian Cup in January.

The cobwebs showed as the Blue Samurai struggled to penetrate a spirited Peru side in their first official game since March’s deadly earthquake and tsunami.

The South Americans hit the post twice late on in rain-swept Niigata after Japan substitute Ryota Moriwaki had almost put through his own goal in the 83rd minute.

Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima tipped a volley from striker Raul Ruidiaz against the post before Luiz Ramirez’s header came back off the post seconds later.

The home side came closest to scoring when substitute Keisuke Honda blazed a free kick just over 10 minutes into the second half in front of 39,000 at Big Swan World Cup stadium.—Reuters