Al Rayyan –
Irak achieved an important victory against Japan in continuation 2023 Asian Cup. The Mesopotamian Lions defeated the Blue Samurai 2-1.
From Iraq vs Japan in the continuation of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup taking place at Education City Stadium, Friday (19/1/2024) evening WIB. Japan dominated from the start, but Iraq appeared disciplined and made good use of their opportunities.
Iraq took the lead in the fifth minute, starting from a Japanese pass error in the central area. Iraq passed the ball to Ali Jasim Elaibi on the left, then continued with a cross.
Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki tried to intercept the pass but failed, instead directing the ball to Aymen Hussein. Aymen freely headed the ball into the goal.
Japan had difficulty creating opportunities. Wataru Endo and Takuma Asano’s shots have not yet met the target.
GOAL! Iraq doubled their lead in injury time of the first half. Ahmed Al-Hajjaj escaped down the left and sent in a cross which Hussein met with a header.
Japan dominated the first half, but were unable to register a single shot on goal. On the other hand, Iraq managed to find a gap and exploit it to take a two goal lead at halftime.
Japan increased the intensity of its attacks in the second half. Ko Itakura’s header was still easily secured by the Iraqi goalkeeper.
Iraq almost scored a third goal in the 68th minute, with a long ball forward. Mohanad Ali received the ball and fired a volley which only rolled slightly to the left of the goal.
Japan’s good opportunity came in the 84th minute. Takumi Minamino sent a measured cross from the right to the far post. Daizen Maeda is in a free position, but his header is off the mark!
GOAL! Japan’s efforts bore fruit in the 93rd minute. Reo Hatate’s corner kick was not properly anticipated by the goalkeeper, leaving Wataru Endo free to head it into an empty net.
There were no further changes to the score in the remaining time, Iraq won 2-1. With this result, Iraq is almost certain to qualify for the round of 16 with six points from the first two matches.
They now lead Group D, followed by Japan with three points. Vietnam and Indonesia will compete on Friday (19/1) at 21.30 WIB.
Watch the video “Indonesia is armed with defeat on the way to the Asian Cup”
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2024-01-19 13:36:44
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