Iraq team defeated Japan, took the top spot in Group D

Iraq 2-1 Japan

The match between Iraq and Japan is decisive for the top spot in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. Although rated higher than their opponents, Japan encountered many difficulties from the first minutes. Iraq did not huddle together to defend but confidently pushed up their formation.

In the 5th minute, Ali Jasim escaped down the left wing and made a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki tried to block but accidentally created an opportunity for Aymen Hussein to head the ball to open the score for the Iraqi team.

This goal somewhat affected the mentality of the Japanese team. They played incoherently and lacked cohesion in organizing attacks. The rare bright spot of the Japanese team was Junya Ito. This player's speed caused many difficulties for the Iraqi defenders. However, efficiency was what the Japanese team lacked.

Iraq team created an earthquake at Asian Cup 2023.

In the second half of the first half, the Iraqi team unexpectedly pressed high to prevent the Japanese team from developing the ball from their own half. In the 45+4 minute, the Japanese team made another mistake. Defender Al Hajjaj accelerated on the left wing, he crossed the ball and Aymen successfully headed it to widen the gap to 2 goals for Iraq.

In the second half, the Japanese team still faced many difficulties against the well-organized defense of the Iraqi team. Coach Hajime Moriyasu brought more quality players such as Maeda, Ritsu Doan and Tomiyasu onto the field.

Japan's most notable chance came in the 57th minute. Takuma Asano collided and fell in the penalty area. After consulting VAR technology, the referee decided not to award a penalty to the Japanese team. In the last 20 minutes of the match, the entire Iraqi team retreated to their own half. Japan's efforts only earned them a consolation goal from Wataru Endo. Iraq won 2-1 against Japan.

Result: Iraq 2-1 Japan

Score

Iraq team: Aymen Hussein (5', 45+4')

Japan Team: Wataru Endo (90+3')

Iraq vs Japan lineup

Iraq team: Hasan (12), Putros (5), Sulaka (2), Hussein Ali (3), Natiq (4), Bayesh (8), Al Ammari (16), Al Hajjaj (25), Youssef Amyn (7), Ali Jasim (17), Aymen Hussein (18).

Vietnam team: Zion Suzuki (23), Hiriko Ito (21), Shogo Taniguchi (3), Ko Itakura (4), Sugawara (2), Morita Hideshima (5), Wataru Endo (6), Takumi Minamino (8), Takefusa Kubo (20), Junya Ito (14), Takuma Asano (18).

Watch Live & Complete Asian Cup 2023 on FPT Play, at: https://fptplay.vn/.

Mai Phuong

Source: https://vtc.vn/dia-chan-asian-cup-2023-tuyen-iraq-danh-bai-nhat-ban-chiem-ngoi-dau-bang-d-ar848660.html