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
The Real Madrid players showed their support for Solari LaLiga Santander Convincing win at Real Valladolid could not believe that they reached the into the two Clasicos and the Ajax
The differences between VAR in the Champions League and in
videoassistantreferees.co.uk/var/the-differences-between-var-in-the-champions-league-and-in-laliga-santander-marca-com/
The differences between VAR in the Champions League and in LaLiga Santander MARCA.com; Solari believes in VAR as Real claim slim win at Ajax The Straits Times; Frenkie de Jong Says VAR Will Help 'Big Clubs' After Ajax's Loss to Real Madrid Bleacher Report
Real Madrid 1-4 Ajax (3-5 agg): Dusan Tadic shines as
Lions dominate Patriots to earn first victory of season, 26-10. becoming the first player to reach the mark for the Lions since Reggie Bush ran for 117 yards against Green Bay on Nov. 28, 2013
Hungry lions on eBay | Seriously, We have EVERYTHING
AD
Follow all the latest Thai Premier League football news, fixtures, stats, and more on ESPN. champions for a fresh challenge at Thai Honda in the Thailand second tier. the second Thai
Football Strike Tips, Cheats and Strategies - Gamezebo
Signs of Manchester United revival in loss to City: Wes Brown City were denied a second by a superb goal-line clearance from Ben Mee, who stretched to clear off the line after substitute Gabriel
Wes Brown recognises Ferguson fingerprints at Manchester
London (AFP) - Maurizio Sarri has downplayed Pep Guardiola's suggestion that Chelsea are still in the Premier League title race as he prepares his team to face leaders Manchester City on Sunday. The 60-year-old Italian said his side were "lucky" to beat City in December when they ended the champi
Chelsea not in Premier League title race, says Sarri | Sport24
Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund have insisted Chelsea-target Christian Pulisic will not be allowed to leave in the January transfer window. According to British media reports, Chelsea are interested in the 20-year-old US international, but Dortmund, who want 50 million euros ($56.8m) for the
Dortmund insist Premier League target Pulisic not for sale in
Football: Man City fans wary of United and suspect defence, Liverpool supporters fear fatigue and Magpies
Nicole Chia, News & Top Stories - The Straits Times
Klopp's side have 61 points from 24 games with champions City, beaten at Newcastle United on Tuesday, on 56. Chelsea dropped to fifth place after a 4-0 drubbing at mid-table Bournemouth — Joshua King scoring twice as the hosts netted all four goals in the second half.
Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse - nation.com.pk
Blessed Girl T-Shirts. Blessed Girl T-Shirts are all about fun, faith and most importantly the love of Jesus! It's a blast to wear Blessed Girl shirts because the designs and message show what's in your heart.
Names that mean 'sun', Name Meanings, Meaning of Names
Football: Van de Beek gives Ajax edge over Tottenham in semi
Valencia will face Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey after a 1-0 second-leg win over Real Betis secured a 3-2 aggregate semi-final victory. Rodrigo Moreno's goal early in the second half
Copa del Rey Final - LIVE! Barcelona vs Valencia
France make light work of South Korea in World Cup opener
This experience ranges from a reporting at a local level, to spending time on a national sports desk, as well as being a Tottenham season ticket holder. When I'm not watching Spurs, I like to play sport, write fiction novels, and chill out with some online gaming.
[Unpopular Opinion] Poch still showed his class in the Spurs
And unlike England camps of old where club rivalries have left to factions forming on international duty, Kane believes Gareth Southgate's squad will not be distracted ahead of Euro 2020
Kane: Club rivalries will not split England camp, Latest
Soccer Football - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Test Event - Under 18 Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - March 24, 2019 General view outside t
New chapter for Tottenham as stadium hosts first game
0 comments:
Post a Comment