Defeating Qatar, U23 Japan enters the semi-finals of U23 Asia 2024

Both teams put on an exciting match, worthy of being the top candidates for the AFC U23 Championship. Japan U23 started well when they took the lead in the 2nd minute thanks to Fuki Yamada's beautiful long-range shot from outside the penalty area.

But Japan U23's lead did not last long. In the 24th minute, with a classy header, Ahmed Al-Rawi scored to bring the match back to the starting line.

The turning point of the match really came in the 41st minute, when goalkeeper Yousef Abdulrahman Baliadeh (U23 Qatar) received a red card and had to leave the field for an unnecessary foot movement.

Playing with one less player, it was a surprise when U23 Qatar found the lead thanks to Jassem Gaber's powerful header in the 49th minute.

However, with a numerical disadvantage, U23 Qatar could not stand firm against the pressure of U23 Japan.

In the 67th minute, also from a header, defender Kimura Seiji scored to help Japan U23 equalize the score. In the remaining minutes, Japan U23 maintained the pressure but could not score to end the match.

Tied 2-2, the two teams had to go into extra time.

Here, the superiority in numbers helped Japan U23 dominate in terms of physical strength. Qatar U23 players all appeared tired and could not keep up with the strikers of Japan U23.

In such a match, U23 Japan easily scored 2 more goals thanks to Hosoya Mao (minute 101) and Kotaro Uchino (minute 112).