Japan cruise past Indonesia to reach Asian Cup last 16

Doha, Qatar: Ayase Ueda scored a brace as favourites Japan bounced back from shock defeat against Iraq to outclass Indonesia 3-1 and advance at the Asian Cup yesterday.

The four-time champions could meet South Korea in last 16 after they finished runners up in Group D, topped by Iraq with three consecutive victories.

The tasty clash will be confirmed if South Korea win Group E currently led by Jordan. The Taeguk Warriors, who are behind Jordan on goal difference, will take on Malaysia in their last group match today.

With Iran a possibility for Japan in the quarter-finals, coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team will be ready for any opponent in quest for record-extending fifth title.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

The Samurai Blue cruised past Indonesia to secure their seat in the Round of 16 after a 3-1 win on Wednesday at Al Thumama Stadium. Pics: AFP and Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula#Qatar2023 #AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia #JPNvIDN #Japan #Indonesia pic.twitter.com/VAv54xGt5n

— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) January 24, 2024

“Iran and South Korea are top-level teams in Asia and both are very strong. They both have their own style that is different from ours and we respect them. It is a step-up in quality as we move into the race for the title,” he said.

“Scoring an early goal [against Indonesia] helped us but we must improve both in defence and attack,” added the Japanese coach, who made eight changes to his starting line-up following a 2-1 defeat to Iraq.

Feyenoord striker Ueda scored a goal in each half and his hit late in the match resulted in an own goal by Justin Hubner in front of around 26500 spectators.

With their fans outnumbering Japanese supporters, Indonesia’s consolation goal came through Sandy Walsh just before the game ended. The Shin Tae-young’s side will have to wait to determine their fate for the knockout stage as one of the four best third-place teams after finishing third in the group with three points.

Japan's players salute the attendance and hold a banner in solidarity with the victims of the 2024 Noto peninsula earthquake during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group D football match between Japan and Indonesia at al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on January 24, 2024. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP)

Japan could have won by a bigger margin had they been accurate in their finishing. Moriyasu's men created multiple scoring opportunities throughout the match which they dominated right till the end, taking more than a dozen of attempts.

Ueda was perfect in his strike from the spot in sixth minute after he won a penalty conceded by Jordi Amat soon after the kick off. Qatar referee Khamis Al Marri, who initially let the play continue, ruled Amat had dragged down Ueda in the box following a VAR review.

Indonesia, hardly getting the possession, remained at the receiving end in the first half with Takefusa Kubo missing the target twice before Keito Nakamura’s shot off Seiya Maikuma hit the left post.

Japan’s Ayase Ueda scores his team’s first goal against Indonesia from a penalty shot. AFP

Japan resumed the game in a similar fashion with Ueda scoring his second goal seven minutes after the break. Ritsu Doan set up the goal cutting through defence to pick the striker, who slotted the ball in the bottom right corner from a close range.

Koki Machida and Doan tried to extend Japan’s lead with threatening strikes as it took over an hour for Indonesia to make their first attempt at goal but Marselino Ferdinan spurned the chance after Egy Maulana Vikri’s assist.

Seeking first hat-trick of the tournament, Ueda fired a shot from inside the box which was inadvertently put into his own net by defender Hubner two minutes before time.

Walsh finally gave cheers to Indonesian supporters, volleying from centre of the box in the right after a corner in first minute of injury time.

RESULTS

Group D
Iraq 3-2 Vietnam
Japan 3-1 Indonesia