NewsWataru Endo and Japan win to qualify for Asian Cup last 16
Wataru Endo captained Japan into the last 16 of the Asian Cup with a 3-1 win over Indonesia on Wednesday.
The Liverpool midfielder completed the full 90 minutes of his country’s third and final Group D match, in which they had to avoid defeat to be certain of automatic qualification for the first knockout round ahead of their opponents.
An early penalty from Ayase Ueda set the Samurai Blue on their way to victory at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, and Ueda also netted the game’s second goal in the early stages of the second half.
Their lead was extended further via an own goal late on, before Indonesia scored a consolation in stoppage time.
Japan finished second in Group D and will face the winner of Group E in the round of 16 on Wednesday January 31.