Crushing Bahrain, Japan advances to Asian Cup quarter-finals

Japan entered the match against Bahrain with great confidence. Coach Moriyasu's team dominated the ball but did not rush to push up the formation to impose their style of play. It was not until the 10th minute that Japan had their first shot, Ueda headed in after a corner kick but goalkeeper Lutfalla blocked it.

Despite not creating many chances to score, Japan still managed to open the scoring in the first half. In the 31st minute, Doan rushed down to receive the ball after his teammate's shot hit the post and bounced out, allowing Japan's number 10 to easily score.

Đè bẹp Bahrain, Nhật Bản tiến vào tứ kết Asian Cup - 1 — Doan opened the scoring.

Bahrain only had one shot in the first half, coach Pizzi's team really had difficulty against Japan's well-organized defense system.

Not long after the break, Japan unexpectedly scored a second goal. In the 49th minute, Kubo scored against Bahrain, but the assistant referee ruled that the Japanese player was offside and therefore disallowed the goal.

However, VAR intervened, Kubo was indeed behind the opponent's defense but the Bahrain defender passed the ball to him so this player was not offside. Therefore, the main referee blew the whistle, recognizing the goal for Japan.

After two goals, Japan slowed down the game, Bahrain tried to attack but did not leave much of an impression. In the 64th minute, while trying to retreat to defend at a corner kick, Ueda accidentally headed the ball into his own net, leading to a goal for Bahrain.

Đè bẹp Bahrain, Nhật Bản tiến vào tứ kết Asian Cup - 2 — Ueda scores against Bahrain.

The gap between the two teams was only one goal, but Japan did not allow Bahrain to rise. In the 73rd minute, Ueda made up for his mistake with a smart run and a neat shot past goalkeeper Lutfalla, raising the score to 3-1.

During the remaining time of the match, Japan created many opportunities to increase the score when Bahrain raised their squad, unfortunately Asano, Minamino, and Mitoma could not take advantage. In the end, Japan won 3-1 and won a ticket to the quarterfinals.

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Photo: Getty

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