Japan defeats Bahrain 3-1, Blue Samurai advance to the 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinals

Japan's national team advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup after defeating Bahrain 3-1 in the round of 16 at Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar, on Wednesday night (January 31, 2024) WIB.

From the start of the match, the Blue Samurai played aggressively and scored their first goal through Ritsu Doan in the 31st minute. Japan maintained their 1-0 lead until halftime.

Entering the second half, Japan continued to dominate the game. Hajime Moriyasu's team doubled their lead thanks to a goal by Takefusa Kubo in the 49th minute. Kubo initially pounced on a loose ball in Bahrain's defense. Referee Ahmad Al-Ali reviewed the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to ensure Kubo was not offside. As a result, Kubo was declared onside, and Japan led 2-1 against Bahrain.

Keito Nakamura had a chance to score in the 61st minute, but it was disallowed due to offside.

Then, in the 64th minute, Bahrain scored a goal resulting from a mistake by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. While trying to catch a ball from his own deflection heading towards the goal, Suzuki collided with Ayase Ueda. Consequently, the ball, which Suzuki failed to catch, hit Ueda and went into his own net. This own goal reduced Bahrain's deficit to 1-2.

To make amends for his mistake, Ayase Ueda scored Japan's third goal in the 72nd minute. This goal sealed Japan's 3-1 victory over Bahrain.

Following this victory, Japan will face Iran in the quarter-finals at Education City Stadium, Ar-Rayyan, this coming Saturday (February 3, 2024). Previously, the Iranian national team eliminated Syria via penalties in the round of 16.

Starting Lineups: Bahrain vs Japan

Bahrain (4-3-2-1): Ebrahim Lutfalla; Mohamed Adel, Sayed Baqer Mahdy, Waleed Al Hayam; Hazza Ali; Jasim Al Shaikh, Ahmed Hassan, Kamil Al Aswad; Ali Madan, Mohamed Marhoon; Abdulla Yusuf.

Japan (4-3-2-1): Zion Suzuki; Seiya Maikuma, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Yuta Nakayama; Takefusa Kubo, Wataru Endo, Reo Hatate; Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura; Ayase Ueda.

(See also: List of Current Top Scorers in the 2023 Asian Cup: Ayemen Huseein's Position Threatened)