AsianCup2023 | Group D : Iraq 2 - 1 Japan

In one of the most highly anticipated games of the group stage so far, Matchday 1 winners in Group A, Iraq and Japan go head-to-head, with the winner guaranteed a place in the next round of this year's Asian Cup. In 1993, Iraq famously beat the Samurai Blue to deny them their first-ever World Cup final experience at USA94. However, Japan have gone on to win seven of the previous eight encounters. After the birth of his child, Iraq's Osama Rashid is replaced by Franz Putros in midfield, while Ayman Hussein starts up front after coming off the bench to score last time out. For Japan, Takuma Asano replaces Mao Hosoya in attack, and Kubo gets the nod ahead of Nakamura in midfield. It was a ferocious start to the game, with Iraq dictating the pace of it right from the get-go. Shot from distance from Ali Jassim. Setting the stage for what was to be a very, very entertaining Group A encounter. Just a few minutes later, Iraq were at it again. Ali Jassim on the ball here, centres it nicely. Suzuki parries it into the path of Ayman Hussein. And the man who came off the bench to score last time out starts today and starts with a bang. His second goal of the competition, his 23rd for his country. Iraq off to the races. Fast forward now to the 32nd minute. Japan really weren't themselves. Struggled to create too much from open play. This their best chance after just over half an hour played. Takuma Asano unable to find the target. Into stoppage time of the first half. Iraq with a brilliant start to the first period of play and would end it with another fantastic team goal. Ayman Hussein with a brace. Ahmed Yehia coming in from that left side. Beautiful delivery to pick out the front man. And just like that, Iraq with a two-goal cushion at the half-time break. Hussein unable to continue due to an injury to his hip. Mohamed Alik would come on to replace him up front. Samurai Blue can't see their first effort on target. Come as late as the 60th minute. Itakura with the header. Jalal Hassan with an easy saved on the 66th minute. It's a goal situation. Ritsu Dohan on as a substitute in the meantime. But he too is struggling to really trouble the Iraq keeper. Back the other way though. The underdogs creating chances and nearly scoring a third which would have settled things right then and there. Mohamed Alik inches away from finding the bottom corner. Into stoppage time now. Japanese fans praying for a miracle. And would get a lifeline late on. Wataru Endo with just his third goal for his country. Nodding it home at the back post. Iraq's defence not picking him up. With seconds left. Japan would have a chance to secure a vital point. But Doha scuffs his efforts. And so Iraq secure a historic win over one of the tournament favourites to go through to the knockout stages with a game in hand. The Samurai Blue will likely need at least a point against Indonesia to claim second place and go through to the next round themselves.