AFC Asian Cup - Oman 0 Japan 1 - Match Report
Haraguchi scores the only goal of the game as Japan seal round of sixteen place with a hard earned 1-0 win over Oman
Mitch Freeley
Four-time Asian Cup winners Japan sealed their place in the last 16 at the 2019 edition with a controversial 1-0 victory over Oman in Abu Dhabi.
After being pushed all the way in their opening Group F victory over Turkmenistan, Japan were again far from their best as two contentious penalty decisions proved pivotal on Sunday.
Genki Haraguchi scored the only goal after Raed Saleh was adjudged to have fouled him just before the half hour, while Yuto Nagatomo was lucky not to concede a spot-kick at the other end for handball.
Victory means Japan progress to the knockout stages, while Oman could join them as one of the best third-placed teams should Uzbekistan beat Turkmenistan and they do the same on Thursday.
After Faiyz Al Rusheidi impressed early on with a number of smart saves, Oman almost took the lead after 20 minutes when Muhsen Al Ghassani rounded Shuichi Gonda, but his effort from a tight angle rolled wide of the post.
Al Rusheidi made another stop to deny Takumi Minamino in the 27th minute but Japan were soon ahead as Saleh conceded a penalty for fouling Haraguchi, although replays suggested there was little contact.
Haraguchi scored from the spot but Japan were lucky to go into the break level after defender Nagatomo appeared to block Salaah Al-Yahyaei's late shot with his hands.
Adding to their lead proved tough for Japan after the break and the Samurai Blue were grateful to poor Oman decisions in the final third as they clung on to victory.
Goals
Goal! Japan take the lead! Genki Haraguchi scores from the penalty spot!
Live Updates
Preamble
Team sheets! We have the teams in! The Big news! After scoring a brace against Turkmenistan Yuya Osako is on the bench for Japan!
📝 Starting XIs for both teams: 🇴🇲 Oman 🆚 Japan 🇯🇵
We're just 30 minutes away from the second round of group F! #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/wpijnRbY3n — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 13, 2019
Ahh! Oman & Japan fans are having a little party ahead of the game! 15 minutes away from kick-off!
🇯🇵♥️🇴🇲
🌏 #AsianCup2019 #BringingAsiaTogether 🌏pic.twitter.com/3xVxmbcTjx — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 13, 2019
Plenty of excitement from the Oman FA! Their boys need a big result today!
جماهير السلطنة .. كونوا في الموعد 🇴🇲#سوية_للآسوية #كأس_آسيا2019#عمان_اليابان pic.twitter.com/wfBycmgIib — OFA - Official Page (@OmanFA) January 13, 2019
Japan have arrived and look super focused! A win tonight will seal their progression to the round of sixteen.
選手たちがスタジアムに到着しました！
AFCアジアカップUAE2019🏆
グループステージ第２節#SAMURAIBLUE 🇯🇵vs🇴🇲オマーン
⌚ 1/13 22:30（日本時間）
📺 テレビ朝日系列、NHK BS1にて生中継
✅ https://t.co/jUEkZxEyzW#jfa #daihyo #王座奪回 pic.twitter.com/7m4YL1cJiy — サッカー日本代表 (@jfa_samuraiblue) January 13, 2019
Oman have it all to do against Japan after losing their opening game against Uzbekistan 2-1. Follow all the latest updates, Team News and Live Match commentary from the game in Abu Dhabi!
