Moriyasu’s Squad Aims for Fifth Asian Title with Impressive Comeback
In a nail-biting opening match of the Asian Cup campaign in Qatar, Japan, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, showcased their determination for a record-extending fifth Asian title. The clash against Vietnam, coached by Japan’s 2000 Asian Cup-winning boss Philippe Troussier, unfolded as a rollercoaster of emotions with a final score of 4-2 in favor of Japan.
The game kicked off with Takumi Minamino giving Japan an early lead in the 11th minute, setting the stage for what seemed to be a comfortable start to their campaign. However, Vietnam, fueled by their coach’s winning legacy, turned the tables with two goals midway through the first half.
Japan, refusing to be outdone, mounted a remarkable comeback before halftime. Minamino netted his second goal, and Keito Nakamura curled in a sublime effort, securing a lead for Japan as they headed into the break.
The second half saw a more sedate affair until Japan’s substitute, Ayase Ueda, sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 86th minute. The win marked a redemption for Japan, considering their encounter with Vietnam in the 2019 Asian Cup quarter-finals, where Japan won 1-0 before losing to Qatar in the final.
Our Wataru Endo provided an assist and captained Japan to their first opening win in the Asian Cup! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/BJUcfWacTr
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) January 14, 2024
Noteworthy decisions by Moriyasu included leaving Kaoru Mitoma out of the matchday squad as the Brighton winger continues his comeback from an ankle injury. Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo started on the bench, but Minamino’s stellar performance demonstrated Japan’s abundant attacking talent.
The opening goal for Japan came when Yukinari Sugawara delivered a ball into the box, deflecting off a Vietnam defender, and Minamino capitalized on the rebound. Vietnam responded swiftly, with Nguyen Dinh Bac’s looping backward header leveling the score before taking the lead with Pham Tuan Hai’s well-placed finish in the 33rd minute.
Japan, however, showed resilience just before halftime. Wataru Endo found Minamino in the box, allowing the Monaco forward to roll a precise first-time shot inside the far post. Nakamura then added to the spectacle with a jaw-dropping strike from the edge of the box in injury time.
While the second half saw a drop in tempo, Ueda’s well-taken strike in the closing minutes secured Japan’s victory. As Group D action unfolds, Indonesia is set to face Iraq on Monday in the tournament’s other opening game. Japan’s thrilling win sets the stage for an exciting Asian Cup, with Moriyasu’s side eyeing another historic title.
Image Credit: France24.com
