It was the exact opposite of the round of 16 match between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Japan scored the first goal against Iran, but allowed the game to become one-sided in the second half.
Japan came from behind to defeat Iran 1-2 in the quarterfinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup 2023 at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET. The result sees Iran punch their ticket to the quarterfinals, 안전카지노사이트 while Japan’s title challenge comes to an end in the quarterfinals.
Japan took an early lead in a match that matched Iran’s home atmosphere. On a counterattack in the 28th minute, Morita Hidemasa, who received a pass from Ayase Ueda, dribbled into the center of the field against the expectations of the Iranian defense to create shooting space. He finished the move with a shot that hit the foot of Beiranvand’s goalkeeper to give Japan the lead.
However, the game became one-sided from then on, especially in the second half. As the Iranian players gained momentum, many Iranian fans became more and more vocal in their support. With the Iranian fans chanting behind their backs, the Japanese players lost confidence and started making mistakes. The Iranians, on the other hand, physically dominated the Japanese and created more and more chances.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Japan finally allowed Iran to equalize. Mohammed Mohebi scored the equalizer after receiving the ball from a missed goal kick by goalkeeper Zaion Suzuki and receiving an exquisite penetrating pass from Sardar Azmoun. After the equalizer, the game became even more one-sided in Iran’s favor. Japan, riddled with mistakes, conceded a penalty just before the end of second-half stoppage time. Ko Itakura brought down Iranian defender Kanani with a late tackle. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Alireza Jahanbakhsh rattled the net with a powerful shot.
It was the opposite of how South Korea overcame a one-sided home atmosphere in Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16. After conceding an early goal, South Korea pushed the Saudis hard in the second half and dramatically avoided elimination through Cho Kyu-sung’s equalizer. They then beat Saudi Arabia in a penalty shootout to reach the quarterfinals. Japan, however, was unable to overcome the Iranian atmosphere and crumbled.
This tournament is being held in the Middle East, so the mood of the Middle Eastern teams is good. Failure to overcome this can change the outcome, regardless of power and record.