World Cup 2018 Asian Qualifiers: Japan Gets Ticket to Russia

(Baonghean.vn) - Takuma Osano and Idedguchi Yosuke scored against the visiting team Australia, bringing Japan to the 2018 World Cup finals. Beating their opponents 2-0, the 'Rising Sun' team became the second representative of Asia, after Iran, to win a ticket to Russia next summer.

In Group A, at home, the Korean players, who are currently second in the rankings, were unable to beat the top team Iran to secure an early ticket to Russia. The 0-0 draw left Korea just two points ahead of Syria and Uzbekistan - the two teams behind them - before playing the final match of the qualifying round.

Since Syria defeated Qatar 3-1, if they lose on Uzbekistan's field and Syria defeats Iran, South Korea will have to stay home and watch the World Cup on TV. South Korea needs at least 1 point against Uzbekistan to have the right to decide their own fate.

6th time attendingWorld Cup

The match in the penultimate round of Group B of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Asia between host Japan and Australia took place at a high speed from the first minutes. With superior physique and physical strength, the Australian team had more possession of the ball with long, attacking plays. In fact, the away team almost took the lead in the 40th minute, when Mat Leckie's shot hit the post and went wide.

Osano (18) scored the opening goal 1-0 for Japan. Photo: Internet

Before the end of the first half, the home team Japan opened the scoring after a mistake in the Australian defense. Left-back Brad Smith was out of position when Nagamoto crossed, allowing Osano to break the offside trap and shoot past goalkeeper Maty Ryan.

Trailing 1-0, Coach Postecoglou asked his players to push up their formation to find an equalizer. Tim Cahill and his teammates fought hard but could not penetrate the tight defense of the home team..This was an opportunity for Japan to launch many dangerous counter-attacks. Idedguchi increased the score to 2-0 after firing a cannon into the top right corner of the Australian goal, scoring the decisive goal of the match.

By defeating Australia, Japan became the fourth team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, after host Russia, Brazil and Iran. Meanwhile, Australia, with this defeat, lost the right to decide in the race for a ticket to the next round.

Japan and Australia played tit for tat throughout the second half, but in the end, only Japan scored the second goal. Photo: Internet

Postecoglou's side need to beat Thailand at home and hope Japan can get a point against Saudi Arabia in their final game. If the West Asian side win, they will be tied with Australia on goal difference.

In the same match, Iraq, who had defeated Thailand, continued to lose their 7th match to Iraq with a score of 1-2. Thus, Saudi Arabia, Australia and UAE will compete for the remaining direct entry spot. UAE's chances are quite slim because they are currently only in 4th place with 13 points, 3 points behind Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Play-off

According to FIFA regulations, Asia has 4.5 places to attend the 2018 World Cup. Thus, the 2 third-placed teams of the 2 groups will play a play-off to choose the winning team to play against the fourth-placed CONCACAF team this coming November.

While Japan and South Korea are showing stability, China - a football powerhouse in Asia - is on the decline, missing out on a ticket to Russia. Thailand, the top team in Southeast Asia, has made it to the third round but in the end only managed 2 draws and 7 losses, finishing last in the rankings.

Obviously, we can terminate the contract with Japanese coach Miura, but the football of the Land of the Rising Sun is still a model that VFF needs to refer to, learn from and cooperate with.

AT