Kaoru Mitoma returned as Japan survived a second-half wobble to arrange an Asian Cup quarter-final with Iran or Syria after a 3-1 win over Bahrain on Wednesday.
The four-time champions appeared to be cruising of their final 16 recreation in Doha after targets both aspect of half-time from Ritsu Doan and Takefusa Kubo.
But an personal purpose from error-prone goalkeeper Zion Suzuki let Bahrain again within the recreation till Ayase Ueda restored Japan’s cushion just below 10 minutes later.
It was Ueda’s fourth purpose of the match.
Japan have been boosted by the return of Brighton winger Mitoma, who got here off the bench within the second half to play his first recreation since injuring his ankle on December 21.
But questions stay for Hajime Moriyasu’s aspect, who have been the pre-tournament favourites however have but to maintain a clear sheet in 4 video games in Qatar.
Japan got here near opening the scoring within the tenth minute when Ueda thumped a header in the direction of purpose from a nook, just for Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfallah to claw it away.
Bahrain additionally had probabilities to take the lead nevertheless it was Japan who struck first within the thirty first minute.
Right-back Seiya Maikuma unleashed a shot from distance that cannoned towards the submit and Doan reacted quickest to stay residence the rebound.
Japan have been compelled right into a change when Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate went off injured 5 minutes later, with Hidemasa Morita approaching.
Kubo doubled Japan’s lead within the forty ninth minute after a VAR purpose verify.
The Real Sociedad ahead appeared to be in an offside place when the ball broke free to him within the field, however the ultimate ball had come off a Bahrain defender.
What appeared like being a stroll for Japan was a nasty dream when Suzuki turned the ball into his personal internet within the sixty fourth minute.
The 21-year-old, who has made a string of errors on the Asian Cup, misjudged a punch and acquired snarled with Ueda to fumble the ball over the road.
Ueda calmed Japan’s nerves within the 72nd minute when he drilled the ball residence after a sweeping transfer ahead.
Mitoma was concerned in a number of late probabilities after approaching within the 68th minute, however couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
