The Japanese national soccer team, led by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, lost 1-2 to Iraq in the second Group D match of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup at Education Stadium in Al Raiyan on the 19th.
Japan lost its lead in the group to Iraq (six points) by staying at one win, one loss and three points. In addition, Japan ended its A-match winning streak that had been going on since June last year in 12 matches. 동행복권파워볼
Japan was in full swing but was flattered by Iraq’s aggressiveness. Iraq also showed its momentum to start the tournament with a victory by beating Indonesia 3-1. He drove Japan hard from the beginning and scored a goal early. Attacks using strength and height, which are Japan’s traditional weaknesses, were effective.
Earlier in the game, Japan allowed two runs in the first match against Vietnam. In a set piece situation, the goalie and defense team showed weakness in competing for the right to offer. On the day, goalie Suzuki Zaion (Sint Traudan) mistakenly punched a cross that Iraq connected to after penetrating into the goalpost in the fourth minute of the first half, providing an excuse for the loss. The ball that flowed backward was also pushed by I.N. Hussein, allowing the goal.
Japan’s proud attack has become less powerful. Rather, he struggled with Iraq’s counterattack, and he gave an additional run to Hussein’s head in the extra time of the first half. Again, the side was torn down and lost to Hussein in the header competition. It is two runs that showed Japan’s clear weakness.
Japan, which gave up its chance to win the game from the first half, concentrated its efforts at halftime and launched counterattack. Japan also had a chance. Takuma Asano (Bohum) penetrated deep into the left side of the goal after receiving a pass from Junya Ito (Stade de Reims) in the ninth minute of the second half. In the process, he tripped over an Iraqi defender. The referee blew a whistle and declared a penalty kick.
However, VAR was applied in this year’s event, and the penalty kick was cancelled after on-site review. Based on the slow motion, the Iraqi defender’s outstretched foot did not touch Asano’s body. He only kicked the ball precisely. Asano’s simulation action allowed, the card was fine. In a similar scene, Son was given a warning in the match against Bahrain.
Japan claims partiality even in the obvious picture that has been confirmed by VAR. “The whistle of the Middle East is enemy and referees are enemy,” Japanese media outlet Higashi Sports Web said. “Does the referee from the Middle East run the game against Middle Eastern countries in the first place?” The phrase “Whistle of the Middle East” is known to be widely shared on social networking sites in Japan.
Japan failed to overcome the gap in the match on the day. At the end of the second half, Wataru Endo (Liverpool) scored a comeback goal, but it was not enough. As Japan lost in the group league, there were variables in its bid to regain the top place for the first time in 13 years. As the team is likely to be the second place in Group D, it is paying attention to the team that will meet in the round of 16 strongest teams. The most likely team to pass Group E is Korea.
Japanese media outlet Soccer King said, “There is a possibility that the match between Korea and Japan will be held in the round of 16. Meeting the eternal rival Korea in the round of 16 can be realized.”
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