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February 1, 2024

Japan Secures Spot in Asian Cup Quarter-Finals with 3-1 Victory Over Bahrain – J League

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Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo, and Ayase Ueda were all on target as Japan delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Bahrain in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Round of 16, earning a well-deserved spot in the quarter-finals.

Japan showcased their quality from the outset, with all three players contributing to a strong team performance. Ritsu Doan opened the scoring, displaying his sharp instincts and positioning. Soon after, Takefusa Kubo doubled Japan’s lead, capitalizing on a well-executed play that VAR confirmed. Finally, Ayase Ueda put the game beyond reach with a clinical finish, sealing the result for the Samurai Blue.

Japan took control of the match from the first whistle, pressing forward with clear intent and putting Bahrain under constant pressure. Their swift, coordinated play and high-energy attack made it clear they were the superior side on the field. Japan’s dominance was evident not only in their possession but also in their ability to create dangerous chances early on. 

Within the opening 10 minutes, they nearly opened the scoring when Ayase Ueda, a forward for Kashima Antlers, rose to meet a well-delivered cross with a powerful header. His effort was on target, forcing Bahrain’s goalkeeper into a full-stretch save, tipping the ball just over the bar. This close call was a sign of things to come, as Japan’s relentless pressure kept Bahrain on the back foot, signaling the beginning of a commanding performance.

Following sustained pressure from Japan, the long-awaited breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute. Seiya Maikuma, the dynamic right-back from Cerezo Osaka, found himself in space about 25 yards from goal. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful, thunderous strike that seemed destined for the top corner. The ball flew through the air with a blistering pace, only to crash against the post with a loud thud, narrowly missing what would have been a spectacular goal.

However, Japan’s relentless attacking play paid off, as Ritsu Doan, a Gamba Osaka’s renowned academy product, reacted quickly. Positioned perfectly to take advantage of the rebound, Doan calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. His quick thinking and sharp positioning gave Japan a well-earned lead, rewarding their dominant first-half performance and setting the tone for the rest of the match. This crucial goal reflected Japan’s perseverance and ability to capitalize on key moments, giving them the edge they had worked hard to achieve.

Takefusa Kubo, once a rising star at FC Tokyo, was pivotal in extending Japan’s lead shortly after the halftime break. In what appeared to be a routine attack, Kubo received the ball in a seemingly offside position before coolly finishing to find the back of the net. However, the linesman immediately raised his flag, disallowing the goal for offside. The referee halted play, and it seemed Japan’s second goal would be chalked off.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was called into action. After careful review, the officials concluded that Kubo’s offside position had been rendered irrelevant by a slight touch from a Bahrain defender, who had unintentionally played him onside. With this new information, the referee reversed the initial decision, and the goal was rightfully awarded.

In the 64th minute, Bahrain capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake to pull one back, briefly unsettling the Samurai Blue. However, Japan quickly regained control.

Eight minutes later, Seiya Maikuma and Ayase Ueda teamed up to restore Japan’s two-goal cushion. Maikuma skillfully navigated through defenders before threading a pass to Ueda, who faked a through ball and then burst between two defenders. Ueda charged towards goal and drilled a low shot through the goalkeeper’s legs, capping off a stunning goal and securing Japan’s spot in the quarter-finals.

Japan has consistently reached the final eight in every AFC Asian Cup since 1992, coinciding with the founding of the J.League. This current Samurai Blue squad, composed entirely of J.League talents, continues that proud tradition. It is now just three victories away from a record fifth Asian title.

Next, Japan will face Iran in the quarter-finals—a rematch of the 2019 Asian Cup semi-final, in which Japan triumphed with a 3-0 win over Team Melli.

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