Shocked Japan, Iraq Breaks Record And Qualifies For The Last 16 Of The 2023 Asian Cup

Iraq beat Japan 2-1 and qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup. (X/@afcasiancup)

JAKARTA - Iraq made a surprise and broke the record when they beat Japan 2-1 in the 2023 Asian Cup Group D match at the Education City Stadium, Friday, January 20 evening WIB. Iraq also qualified for the last 16. Meanwhile, Japan made Indonesia will struggle in the final match.

Japan did not show a maximum performance in the Asian Cup. Although there are star players who on average play in Europe, Japan is having difficulties in group stageing.

Japan's move has indeed struggled. In the first match against Vietnam, the Blue Samurai are predicted to have no trouble over it.

However, this team from Southeast Asia was able to trouble Japan. Even Vietnam had a 2-1 lead before finally losing 4-2.

When facing Iraq, Wataru Endo et al did not move. Iraq is able to play well to overcome Japan's aggressiveness.

As a result, Iraq scored two goals and Japan could only reduce defeat in the last minute. Endo's late goal failed to save Japan because they had run out of time.

That success made Iraq break a record of never winning against Japan for 43 years. In the last nine meetings against this team from West Asia, Japan is indeed unbeaten.

The victory made Iraq have six points as well as qualify for the last 16. In the first match, Iraq beat Indonesia 3-1.

Meanwhile, Japan, which is ranked second, pocketed the third point. The same as Indonesia, which beat Vietnam 1-0, but Japan won the goal difference.

Japan's last match against Indonesia will be the determination to win a ticket in the last 16. Japan is a little above the wind because it only needs a draw.

On the other hand, the Red and White team had to fight hard. If they win, Indonesia will not only make a big surprise for defeating one of the elite Asian teams. Shin Tae-yong's troops, who were not seeded at all, also set a record for qualifying for the knockout round for the first time.

In that match, Iraq, which had the support of hundreds of supporters, took the initiative to attack directly ahead through Aymen Hussein's quick goal. The game had only been running for five minutes, Hussein' header which welcomed the cross ball failed to be saved by Zion Suzuki goalkeeper

Iraq played the compact defense very well, making it difficult for Hajime Moriyasu's team. Moreover, they take advantage of their physical advantage and posture. Therefore, Iraqi players do more cross balls.

Japan actually had the opportunity to equalize the score in the 22nd minute. But Endo's overhead shot failed to break into Iraq's goal.

On the other hand, Iraq managed to increase the lead after Hussein scored a brace towards the end of the first half. The goal started with defender Ahmed Al-Hajaj who passed the Japanese before releasing the cross. The bait was greeted by Hussein who broke into the Japanese goal. The 2-0 score for Iraq closed the first half.

In the second half, Japan played more aggressively. But their attacks always failed. Japan's deadlock was finally broken after Endo scored when he met a corner. Score 2-1 for Iraq and survive until the end of the game.

"Our preparation is actually no different from against Vietnam. Unfortunately, we had difficulties, especially in the early minutes. The atmosphere of the match and the opposing supporters made us feel like playing at home," Moriyasu said in response to his team's defeat.

According to Moriyasu, Iraq's second goal hit the Japanese players. "That goal hit us. We learned from our mistakes. The players have fought hard. I am responsible for this defeat," he said.