AsianCup2023 | Round Of 16 : Bahrain 1 - 3 Japan
Four-time Asian Cup champions Japan surprisingly finished second behind Iraq in Group D,
while Bahrain raised a few eyebrows themselves by taking top spot in Group E,
finishing above one of Asia's most recognized teams, Korea Republic.
It's fair to say that despite losing one of their group games, the Samurai Blue head
into this last-16 encounter in Doha as favourites to move on to the quarterfinals.
After missing Bahrain's first two games, Abdullah Yusuf kicked off his tournament
with a winning goal on Matchday 3 and leads the line in attack again today,
while Hazza Ali replaces Al-Khalassi at left-back.
The Samurai Blue also make just one change to their Matchday 3 starting XI,
with Kou Itakura partnering Tomiyasu in central defence as Koki Mashida drops to the bench.
That's been a really, really strong start here from Samurai Blue.
Decent ball in and a fantastic save there by Ibrahim Lutfala.
And a Bahrain goal.
They haven't had too many chances in Bahrain.
And a rare trip forward into the Japanese half.
Shot from outside the box, but a simple save for Sion Suzuki there to deny Ali Mada.
A little over half an hour gone.
Japan looking the more likely to find a breakthrough here.
Maekuma with a rocket off the woodwork.
Dohan with the follow-up.
Japan with the lead.
There's a thunderous strike from Maekuma.
Dohan fell kindly to Dohan who was first to react and slots it home from a close range.
Japan with a deserved lead.
A lead they take with them down the tunnel.
That's half-time as well.
Japan have really dominated things.
They've won the ball back inside the Bahrain half.
It's given away cheaply.
That is not the ball you want to be playing.
Japan with a second.
And a second that will count.
No offside there by Ueda.
Hazali playing it into the path of Kubo.
Japan in complete control here.
Bahrain really back into this now perhaps.
And they have a ticket back into the game.
It's an own goal by Ueda.
Confusion between Ueda and his goalkeeper Suzuki.
And the ball bobbles over the line.
All of a sudden Bahrain are right back in this.
Even after conceding yet again it has to be said.
Japan still looking to make the better team here.
Another chance and another goal.
It's Ueda who makes up for that own goal just moments ago.
By slotting it through the keeper's legs.
Ibrahim Lutfala unable to keep it out.
Japan looking for a fourth now.
Dohan at the near post.
This time Lutfala does make the save.
I'm sure he knew too much about it.
Off the heel and just wide.
Into stoppage time now.
Looks like things are done and dusted.
Could there be a fourth for Japan?
Well there probably should have been.
Great ball through to Asano who only had Lutfala to beat.
The substitute unable to find the back of the net.
Doesn't matter though.
Japan stay on course in their hunt for a fifth Asian Cup trophy
as they progress to the quarterfinals to face either Iran or Syria
after a convincing and dominant display against groupie winners Bahrain
in the Education City Stadium.