Qatar's 3-1 win over Bahrain in the round of 16 helped Japan reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals for the ninth consecutive time.
The 69-place difference in FIFA rankings between the two teams was evident on the pitch, as Japan dominated possession, dangerous chances and goals. Bahrain failed to create any notable situations, except for an own goal by striker Ayase Ueda. Meanwhile, Japan squandered many chances in the final minutes to win by a larger margin.
Japan players celebrate Ritsu Doan's opening goal against Bahrain at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, during the 2023 Asian Cup Round of 16 on January 31, 2024. Photo: AP
Bahrain’s rare highlight in this match was in the stands, with thousands of fans coming to cheer on their team despite the match being played on a Wednesday afternoon, Doha time. Bahrain and Qatar are both Persian Gulf countries, only a few hours’ drive apart. However, the heat in the stands did not help Bahrain have an easier time on the pitch.
Japan struggled to get off to a good start, before opening the scoring in the 31st minute with a moment of brilliance from right-back Seiya Maikuma. From about 25 metres out, Maikuma unexpectedly shot hard into the far corner, hitting the post and bouncing back. Midfielder Ritsu Doan rushed in at the right time, kicking the ball low into the middle of the goal. This was Doan's first goal this term, while he scored two goals at the 2019 Asian Cup.
Ritsu Doan's opener. Photo: AP
Hajime Moriyasu's side continued to play with great intensity and scored a second goal shortly after the break. A player was forced to clear the ball without looking in front of goal for Takefusa Kubo to receive. The midfielder, who plays in La Liga, turned and shot low across the corner to make it 2-0 to Japan. The linesman initially flagged for offside, but after VAR intervened, Kuwaiti referee Ahmad Al-Ali quickly awarded the goal.
The Japanese players made things difficult for themselves in the following minutes, leading to an unnecessary goal. From a corner kick by Komail Al Aswad on the left, center-back Sayed Baqer headed the ball hard over goalkeeper Zion Suzuki's head. The goalkeeper did not push the ball well, sending it back into the goal. Striker Ayase Ueda tried to clear the ball on the goal line, but it got caught by Suzuki, resulting in an own goal. This was not the first time Suzuki had made a mistake leading to a goal, as he had made a similar mistake in the opening match, winning 4-2 against Vietnam.
Main events of the match.
However, just eight minutes later, Ueda made up for his mistake. Receiving the ball outside the right penalty area, Ueda turned and swerved down the penalty area past two Bahrain players, then shot hard through the goalkeeper's legs into the net. It was his fourth goal of the tournament, behind only Aymen Hussein, but the Iraqi striker had no chance of improving his record.
Japan are through to the quarter-finals for the ninth consecutive time, but this time their opponents are likely to be Iran - who will play Syria in their final round of 16 match. The boost for Moriyasu's team is the return of midfielder Kaoru Mitoma, who played more than 30 minutes at the end of the match against Bahrain.
Quang Dung - Hoang An
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