Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Japan successfully advanced to the final of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup and also qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after beating Iraq 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
The second semifinal of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup will bring together Japan vs Iraq. The Japan vs Iraq match took place at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Tuesday (30/4) early morning at 00.30 WIB.
Japan succeeded in showing a dominant game in this match. In the 10th minute, Japan threatened Iraq’s goal through Mao Hosoya’s shot, but his shot was still anticipated by the Iraqi goalkeeper.
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In the 18th minute Japan threatened Iraq’s goal again through Ryotaro Araki’s shot. But again his shot was anticipated by the Iraqi goalkeeper.
In the 38th minute, Japan finally scored a beautiful goal through Mao Hosoya’s brilliant action.
The goal started from Hosoya who penetrated into the Iraqi penalty box then made a turning movement to outwit the opposing defender, then he fired a low shot which resulted in Japan’s goal. Japan leads 1-0 over Iraq.
In the 42nd minute Japan managed to increase their lead to 2-0 through Ryotaro Araki’s flick.
In the 48th minute, Fuki Yamada’s shot still hit the post after continuing Ayumu Ohata’s pass.
Then in the 56th minute an Iraqi player’s header was still aimed at the Japanese goalkeeper.
Until the match ended no additional goals were scored. Japan won 2-0 over Iraq and qualified for the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup final.
In the final, Japan will meet Uzbekistan, who has been waiting for them after winning over Indonesia in the other semifinal at the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.
Meanwhile, Iraq, who lost this match, will meet Indonesia in the match for third place in the U-23 Asian Cup and at the same time fighting for the final ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics via the U-23 Asian Cup.
(rhr/rhr)