Japan are, unsurprisingly, in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup after beating Bahrain (1-3)in a football match dominated in an enlightening way by the selection of the country of the Rising Sun.
With another type of initiative with the ball and more individual arguments, the Japanese team took the lead at the 31st minute. Seiya Maikuma hit the post with a shot from distance, in the first instance and, on the rebound, Ritso Doan pushed for the advantage.
It was after that opening goal that Sporting midfielder Hidemasa Morita was replaced by Reo Hatate.
In the second half, Bahrain’s confusion remained clearly evident, especially in terms of defensive organization and the result ended up changing naturally. Takefusa Kubo, after a poorly measured clearance from Hazaa Ali in the area in front of his own goal, doubled the But an own goal from Zion Suzuki would momentarily rekindle the opponent’s hopes.
Striker Ayase Ueda put an end to any doubts that might have existed and scored the final 1-3, securing passage to the quarter-finals. In this round, Japan will face the winner of the only game to be played in the round of 16, the Iran – Syriascheduled for 4pm this Wednesday.
