ABU DHABI • Genki Haraguchi smashed home a controversial penalty, as former champions Japan scraped a 1-0 Group F win over Oman to book their place in the last 16 of the Asian Cup yesterday.
Earlier, Almoez Ali plundered a record-equalling four goals for Qatar as the 2022 World Cup hosts hit North Korea for six unanswered goals to progress from Group E.
Japan, who have scooped Asian football's biggest prize on four occasions, enjoyed their share of good fortune in Abu Dhabi.
Haraguchi clipped the crossbar after just two minutes before fellow forward Takumi Minamino fluffed a handful of golden opportunities. The Samurai Blue's profligacy almost came back to haunt them as Oman flooded forward, with Muhsen Al-Ghassani shaving the post from an acute angle.
However, Haraguchi settled Japan's nerves in the 28th minute, converting from the spot after he had appeared to go down easily under minimal contact from Oman captain Ahmed Al-Mahaijri.
The opposition had extra reason to feel aggrieved, when their own penalty claims were waved away just before half-time after defender Yuto Nagatomo looked to have handled a Salaah Al-Yahyaei drive.
Despite reaching the knockout stages of last year's World Cup, Japan's Asian Cup campaign has not been entirely convincing so far - they squeaked past Turkmenistan 3-2 in their opener - and were again poor on the night.
But despite a late scare when Raed Saleh's acrobatic late volley flashed wide, Japan remain unbeaten in seven matches since Hajime Moriyasu took charge and have now reached the knockout phase of the Asian Cup for the eighth consecutive time.
In the earlier game, Qatar's romp over North Korea was played in almost eerie silence in front of barely 300 spectators in Al Ain.
The Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium was virtually empty due to the Gulf blockade, with Qataris largely prohibited from entering the United Arab Emirates after Doha was accused of supporting terrorism in June 2017.
The win also confirmed Saudi Arabia's progression from Group E, with both teams on six points after two games.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
ASIAN CUP
UAE v Thailand (Singtel TV Ch114 & StarHub Ch208), India v Bahrain (Ch115 & Ch209) - 11.50pm
Trailblazing France coach Corinne Diacre said women in football face a constant struggle for acceptance and are often regarded as "objects" despite rising visibility and media coverage of female
Women in football face daily battle, says France coach
The 2019 Women's World Cup in France is fast approaching with the hosts kicking off the event on June 7 against South Korea. The Matildas superstar is the one Australian player that opposition
The players to watch during the World Cup in France - One
Football: World Cup winner Buffon to leave Paris Saint
Football: Guardiola stays cool despite shock Man City defeat MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he was not disappointed by his players' effort despite suffering a surprise 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday (Dec 22).
Guardiola Stays Cool Despite Shock Manchester City Defeat
Football: MP & Silva's Singapore office in provisional liquidation following London HQ's insolvency. seeking a High Court order to appoint it as provisional liquidator in order to prevent a
Asier Arsuaga :: Txokolarte
Qatar vs Lebanon: World Cup host high on confidence Qatar's road to the 2022 World Cup starts against Lebanon in Group E of the Asian Cup, with coach Felix Sanchez in bullish mood.
He's our Guardiola: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez hailed after
Football: China strips South Korea of Panda Cup for 'indecent' celebrations despite team's apology SHANGHAI (AFP) - South Korea's victorious under-18 team were stripped of the Panda Cup on Thursday (May 30), after they infuriated hosts China with their celebrations.
China strips South Korea of football trophy for 'indecent
Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial both injured in Manchester United's Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain Man Utd's Martial, Lingard to miss Chelsea, Liverpool matches : The Standard
Football: Man United's Martial, Lingard to miss Chelsea
FIFA says it has been in regular contact with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over the Bahraini soccer player arrested in Thailand in November over a prison. sentence in his homeland.
FIFA says in regular contact with AFC over detained refugee
Football: FAS employee sacked over breach of financial protocols While there was no material loss suffered by the Football Association of Singapore, it terminated the employee's contract after
Top stories from The Straits Times on Tuesday, Jan 15
Apr 28, 2019 · Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal have been crowned Professional Footballers' Association players of the year for the 2018-19 season, with Manchester City's Raheem
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk rewarded for near-perfect season
Football: New FAS technical director Joseph Palatsides
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen