Pogacar took his fourth stage victory to go around 6min 41sec clear with six stages remaining
Japan had the better of the scoring chances and controlled the play throughout the match but was never able to make its superiority pay.
Kashima Antlers captain Mitsuo Ogasawara came close in the 16th minute with a powerful right-foot shot from the top of the area that forced Venezuelan goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to make a spectacular diving save.
Moments later, Venezuela had its best chance when Alejandro Moreno headed Jose Manuel Rey’s free kick just wide of the mark.
The friendly against the South Americans marked the start of a four-match series of World Cup tuneups for Japan which has been drawn in Group E against Cameroon, Denmark and the Netherlands at the World Cup finals.
“It was a home game so it was one we wanted to win,” said Japan defender Yuji Nakazawa. “But it’s the start of the season and we’ll have time to improve.”
Junichi Inamoto almost put the hosts ahead midway through the second half but his angled shot was deflected over the crossbar by Morales.
Pogacar took his fourth stage victory to go around 6min 41sec clear with six stages remaining
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