“Yotaro Nakajima breaks the deadlock after a sustained spell of Japanese pressure, finishing off a move assisted by Sena Ishibashi.”
Pivotal“Straight out of the break, Keita Kosugi doubles Japan's advantage within two minutes of the restart.”
Pivotal“Barely sixty seconds later, Hisatsugu Ishii adds a third, again teed up by Ishibashi, effectively ending the contest as a spectacle.”
Pivotal
Japan U23
Thailand U23
Japan U23 controlled this from the first whistle, racking up 25 shots and dominating territory before finally breaking through via Yotaro Nakajima just before half-time. Whatever was said in the Thailand dressing room at the break clearly didn't work, as Japan came out and scored twice in the opening three minutes of the second half through Keita Kosugi and Hisatsugu Ishii to put the game to bed instantly. Sena Ishibashi was the creative force behind the victory, teeing up both the first and third goals, while Thailand mustered just a single shot all match and were reduced to damage control, making five saves but offering almost nothing going forward. For Japan, it's a statement of intent in the Asian Games, while Thailand will need to regroup quickly after being thoroughly outclassed in every phase of play.
How entertaining was this match?
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Chawanwit Saelao comes on for Jehhanafee Mamah.
Corner awarded.
Yotaro Nakajima is substituted off for Yudai Shimamoto.
Hayato Okabe is on, and Rion Ichihara is off.
Thanawut Phochai comes on for Kittapak Seangsawat.
Substitution: Nelson Ishiwatari comes on for Hisatsugu Ishii.
assist: Sena Ishibashi
Goal! Hisatsugu Ishii scores to make it 3-0, assisted by Sena Ishibashi.
Goal! Keita Kosugi scores, making it 2-0.
First half ends with a score of 1-0.
assist: Sena Ishibashi
Goal! Yotaro Nakajima scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Sena Ishibashi.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Kick-off has taken place!
Japan U23 and Thailand U23 both arrive unbeaten with 6 points, setting up a straight fight for first place at Toyota Stadium. Both sides have already booked knockout tickets, but pride and seeding are on the line as Japan chase a fourth straight win over their regional rivals.
