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
Brazil soccer player Neymar has denied accusations of rape contained in a Sao Paulo police report seen by Reuters, saying he had been the victim of an extortion attempt by a lawyer claiming to
Brazil soccer star Neymar accused of committing rape in Paris
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp maintains the Premier League title has not been decided after watching Manchester City take an "expected" big step towards it. Victory over Manchester United at Old
Jürgen Klopp and the Calm Rebuke of Kyle Walker's Trolling
Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid 2019-03-05. Neymar took up football at an early age and played street games and futsal - an indoor version of the game. He joined the Portuguesa Santista
Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid - World Soccer Talk
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/03/03/neymar-hints-at-joining-real-madrid/
Sao Paulo (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar on Sunday left the door open for a potential move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The world's most expensive footballer is currently recovering from a foot injury which he suffered on January 23 and has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since joining PSG from Barcelona in 2017.
Football News -LONDON (AFP) - Willian insisted he had no intention of leaving Chelsea after his superb goal sealed a 2-1 win at home to Newcastle on Saturday (Jan 12).. Willian eager to stay
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours - Pulse
Nov 21, 2018 · Qatar would help Middle East peace by sharing 2022 World Cup, says Infantino the World Cup will kick off in Qatar on Qatari teams were still playing football in Asian Football
Football: Arsenal inflict first domestic defeat on Solskjaer to surge into top four. Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their second goal.
Arsenal Inflict First Domestic Defeat On Solskjaer To Surge
Lost in Space is an American science fiction family franchise centered around a television series filmed by 20th Century Fox Television, broadcast on CBS and created and produced by Irwin Allen, who referred to it as "science-fact science fiction".
See All The Satellites And Space Junk Circling Earth In Real
Messi on a mission: Barcelona are Champions League favourites but only because of Leo. Barca's football is plainly not as it once was; they struggle for control and dominance in the midfield
When are the Champions League semi-finals between Barcelona v
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United . 26th February 2019 Football, Sport. By AFP "They've been part of our training for a long time now," said Solskjaer.
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United
en.rfi.fr/wire/20190226-injuries-open-way-sanchez-and-lukaku-shine-united
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United. is confident Sanchez and Lukaku have the quality to impress if given a sustained run in the team. Sorry but the period of time
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United
Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette is eligible to play in Thursday's Europa League last 16 second-leg clash against Rennes after his three-match ban was reduced to two games, UEFA said on Tuesday.
Arsenal's Lacazette free to face Rennes as UEFA cuts ban
London - England captain Harry Kane insists the Three Lions' squad are too united to be divided by the tension of club rivalries surrounding the Premier League title race and upcoming Champions
Kane insists club rivalries will not split England camp
MADRID (AP) — Mauricio Pochettino will continue to be praised for his managerial style, but not yet for his titles. He's yet to win one. Pochettino lost his latest bid for a title when Tottenham fell to Liverpool 2-0 in the Champions League final on Saturday. The coach credited with turning
Tottenham may not be ready to win trophies, says Mauricio
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar