Japan defeated Bahrain 3-1 in the first round of the Asian Cup soccer tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals.
On the 31st, Japan faced Bahrain in the first round of the final tournament, aiming to win the Asian Cup held in Qatar for the fifth time in three tournaments.
In the match, Japan, ranked 17th in the world, started from the beginning and created chances in front of Bahrain's goal, ranked 86th in the world, but in the 31st minute of the first half, Seiya Makuma's mid-range shot hit the goal post and bounced back to Doan. Ritsu pushed in and took the lead.
Furthermore, early in the second half, Takefusa Kubo scored an additional point by reacting to a loose ball that was touched by the opposing defense in front of the goal.
After that, Japan gave up one point due to an own goal, but in the 27th minute of the second half, Ueda Kiyo scored her fourth goal of the tournament, giving Japan a 3-1 victory and a place in the quarterfinals.
Japan will face the winner of Iran and Syria in the quarterfinals on February 3rd.
Ritsu Doan ``A great shot spilled over''
Ritsu Doan, who scored the opening goal, said, ``Maikuma's wonderful shot came over.I was prepared for it, so I'm glad I was able to score.The reason for the victory was not just my own goal, but the fact that the whole team fought. I always keep in mind that what's more important than a goal is the team's victory, so I'm glad that that led to our victory,'' he said, looking back on the match.
He then said, ``It will be a tough game, but I want everyone to play with the heart to contribute to the team and definitely win the championship.''
Kiyo Ueda “The next goal”
Kiyo Ueda, who scored her fourth goal of the tournament, said, ``Personally, it was an issue for me to not have many shots, but I'm glad I was able to score the goal that led to the next one.Bahrain played a compact defense, but... I felt like I was able to get behind the defensive line.First of all, I want to rest and as a team, I want to prepare for the next game in the best possible condition.''
Takefusa Kubo "I'm glad it was decided"
Takefusa Kubo, who scored his second goal early in the second half by shooting a ball that was touched by the opponent's defense, said, ``Actually, I wish Ueda had hit it, but it turned out to be a matchmaking match and it spilled over to me.'' I knew I was in an offside position because the rule guide said beforehand that a goal like that would be allowed, but I still took the shot. I'm glad I scored.''
In preparation for the quarterfinals, he braced himself and said, ``I want to refresh myself and prepare well for the next match.''
Coach Moriyasu: “He scored three goals with his aggressiveness and patience.”
After the game, Coach Moriyasu commented on the attacking team, saying, ``From the beginning, I thought we wouldn't be able to break down the opponent's defense easily, but our players used their aggressiveness and patience to break down the opponent and score three points.'' I rated it.
On the other hand, regarding the defense, which has been an issue, he said, ``We are improving overall.Today we conceded a goal from a set play, but it was because we were aggressive instead of running away from the ball. I want to communicate well and make it even more perfect."
Regarding the injuries that occurred in the game on the 31st, he said, ``Injuries are painful for the team, but today's game gave me confidence that no matter who plays, we can win without disrupting the flow of the game.'' .I want to prepare to do my best for the next match.''