Japan 3-1 Indonesia: Samurai Blues defeat Indonesia to seal Asian Cup last-16 spot as Iraq top Group D

Japan secured a top-two finish and advanced to the last-16 of the Asian Cup after defeating Indonesia 3-1 in their final Group D match on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Iraq claimed the top spot in the group with a perfect record, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Vietnam with a 102nd-minute winner.

Japan's Ayase Ueda showcased his skills by scoring two goals for Hajime Moriyasu's team, securing them a second-place finish with six points. Meanwhile, Iraq's Aymen Hussein emerged as the leading goal scorer of the tournament, netting his fourth and fifth goals.

Reflecting on their loss to Iraq, Moriyasu expressed the team's determination to identify areas for improvement. He commended his players for their focus and ability to deliver a stellar performance, giving their all on the field.

Moriyasu emphasized the importance of aggression right from the start, and the early penalty awarded to Japan allowed them to dictate the game's tempo throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Japan took an early 1-0 lead when they were awarded a penalty in the second minute. Ayase Ueda was fouled in the box by Jordi Amat, and the VAR check confirmed the decision. Ueda confidently stepped up to take the penalty and expertly placed the ball into the top corner, delighting the Indonesian fans behind the goal.

Ueda acknowledged the pressure on him to score, especially after the team's previous result. Despite feeling nervous, he expressed his enjoyment in taking penalties.

Japan came close to extending their lead to 2-0 just after the half-hour mark, as Keito Nakamura's first-time effort struck the inside of the post and rolled perilously close to the goal line before being cleared.

However, Japan eventually secured their second goal when Ritsu Doan delivered a precise pass across the six-yard box, evading all defenders and finding Ueda unmarked at the far post for an easy tap-in.

Japan's determination was evident as they continued to dominate the game against Indonesia, pushing them back relentlessly.

In the 88th minute, Ueda's shot resulted in an own goal after Hubner's attempted block, further solidifying Japan's lead.

However, Indonesia managed to salvage a consolation goal in stoppage time when Japan failed to clear a long throw-in, allowing Walsh to score his first international goal.

Despite the victory, Japan's coach, Moriyasu, expressed disappointment in conceding a goal and emphasized the importance of keeping a clean sheet in the next match.

With only three points, Indonesia's qualification hopes now depend on the results of other matches, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

Coach Shin Tae-yong acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the situation and stated that they would rest and await the outcome of the upcoming games.

In the other Group D match, Vietnam managed to take the lead just before the first half ended, thanks to Bui Hoang Viet Anh's goal from a set piece. However, their advantage was short-lived as Khuat Van Khang received a second yellow card right before halftime.

Iraq quickly responded and equalized just two minutes into the second half, with Rebin Sulaka scoring a header from a corner. They continued their momentum and took the lead in the 73rd minute, with Hussein finding the back of the net with a header of his own.

Vietnam came close to salvaging a point when Nguyen Quang Hai equalized in the 91st minute. However, Iraq was awarded a penalty in the 12th minute of stoppage time, which was confidently converted by Huessein to secure the victory.