Jungo Fujimoto proved that, by the age of 30, he may yet become a key part of Japan's football squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Now 27, Fujimoto led Japan's attack in their 3-1 international friendly win against Iceland in Osaka's Nagai Stadium on Friday night, repeatedly pressuring goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson with powerful shots during the first half.
In the 53rd minute of play, Fujimoto broke through the Iceland backline to receive a through pass from Kengo Nakamura before skilfully chipping a shot over Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson to double Japan's lead and record his first international goal.
"I was able to see where the goalkeeper was going until the very end," Fujimoto told reporters after the match.
"I'm glad I could score my first goal."
The player, who earned his eighth cap on Friday night, also described the emotions involved in wearing the number 10 shirt traditionally worn by Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa.
"I was surprised when I found out," Fujimoto admitted. "I'm glad I could play well."
Meanwhile, Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni celebrated his side's first match of 2012.
"It was the first game in 2012 and I wanted to start with a win," he said.
"Everybody showed a good performance today, although my players were physically not at 100 percent. I hope that we can keep the momentum."