SHARJAH • Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was full of praise for his players' fighting spirit after they overcame three-time Asian Cup champions Saudi Arabia 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Takehiro Tomiyasu's lone strike was enough to send the Saudis crashing out at the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates yesterday.
"I knew Saudi Arabia was a team with offensive power and I was ready to face a tough battle," Moriyasu said after the match.
"But they fought more strongly than I imagined and my players took a tough stance all the way to the end.
"They persistently fought without stopping their feet.
"Of course we wanted to attack even more, but I think the players did well in terms of the flow of the game."
Japan, record four-time winners of the Asian Cup, march on to a quarter-final with South-east Asian champions Vietnam despite not yet hitting top form at the tournament.
The Vietnamese stunned Jordan 4-2 on penalties after their last-16 clash ended 1-1 on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia were in the ascendancy early on, but it was Japan who snatched the advantage with a straightforward goal from a set piece on 20 minutes.
From a corner, Belgium-based defender Tomiyasu climbed above his marker and nodded firmly into the bottom corner for his first of the tournament.
The Saudis twice came close with headers as they battled to find an equaliser, and Hatan Bahbri curled one just off target as he went for the top corner.
Yoshinori Muto's shot was blocked on the hour mark, but most of the chances were falling to Saudi Arabia, who will rue some wasteful finishing.
Bahbri's shot from outside the box crept narrowly wide and Ali Al-Bulaihi powered a strong header over when the ball was knocked back into the area after a free kick.
But, despite a late flurry, it remained another goalless outing for the Saudis, who have not found the net since scoring six goals in their first two group games.
Japan, who claimed their last title in 2011, extended their perfect winning record in the tournament after also winning all three of their group matches.
Meanwhile, defending champions Australia reached the last eight after beating Uzbekistan 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out following a goal-less draw after extra-time.
The Socceroos will meet host United Arab Emirates or Kyrgyzstan in the quarter-finals on Friday.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
ASIAN CUP
Last 16: South Korea v Bahrain (8.50pm), Qatar v Iraq (11.50pm) - Singtel TV Ch115 & StarHub Ch209
MANCHESTER, England (REUTERS) - Manchester United produced their least impressive performance under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Norwegian offered rare starts to some out-of-favour
Solskjaer unimpressed as United ease past Reading in FA Cup
Sarri proved beyond doubt who's in charge at Chelsea by benching Kepa Blues boss brought in rusty reserve Willy Caballero - though the Argentine was untested in the 2-0 home win By Andrew Dillon
SETTING THE TONE. It is my first game and although it is a friendly, it is important for us to play hard and get a good result. TATSUMA YOSHIDA, Singapore coach, wants a positive start to his new job.
How (and Why) to Play Hard to Get | Psychology Today
Former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) General Secretary, Winston Lee informed the FAS of his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the AFC Executive Committee (Asean Zone) in the 29th
Football: Ex-FAS general secretary Winston Lee withdraws
LONDON: Chelsea suffered a setback in their push for a Champions League spot when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Monday and tempers flared at the end of the match when Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stands.
Football: Chelsea held 2-2 by Burnley, denting Champions
Brains Over Brawn is a mission in Dead Rising 2 and Dead Rising 2: Off the Record. Four nerds are found playing a role playing game in an empty store in the South Plaza.
Hardcore Pawn - Brain Over Brawn - YouTube
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on June 09, 2019, with the headline 'Ozil courts controversy again'.
Chaser Courts Controversy Again - YouTube
Achieve your financial goals with help from your neighborhood banking partner. Achieve your financial goals with help from your neighborhood banking partner—United Bank. We're a leading community bank in New England and have more than 55 branch locations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Through a suite of first-class personal and
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - December 22, 2018 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/J
Football: Aubameyang brace gives Arsenal win over Burnley
Mauricio Pochettino went in search of bovine inspiration as he arrived in Italy and wondered aloud whether Tottenham might be better off for last year's agonising exit at the hands of Juventus.
Tottenham vs Liverpool: Mauricio Pochettino must take
Old Trafford no longer a 'scary' place to go to, says Pep
Every GameChanger team is allowed up to four Team Admins, so if you can't make a game, your team can still track stats and broadcast live updates to fans. Our system does not allow for more than 4 admins.
Game Changer: The Dan Sullivan Story
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen