Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sharjah: Japan scored two late goals to stage a brilliant comeback in their 2-1 win over Tunisia in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 as the win propelled Japan to the top of Group D.
In the match played at the Sharjah Stadium on Friday, Japan were heading for their first defeat in the competition with just three minutes remaining but a 87th minute goal from Daisuke Sakai cancelled out Mohammed Drager’s goal scored in the first-half stoppage time and into the third minute of the second-half injury time Ryoma Watanabe scored the winner.
Both sides were assured of the progression into the knockout stages before the match so there were massive changes in the squad.
After Japan squandered a couple of goal-bound chances, Tunisia broke the deadlock in the second minute of the first-half stoppage time when unmarked Drager received an ideal ball at the centre by Hajem Haz Hassen.
The Most Valuable Player of the last year’s AFC U-16 Championship Taro Sujimoto’s introduction in the 43rd minute rejuvenated Japan but only in the 87th minute their efforts were paid off.
In a goalmouth melee, Sakai, who was on collision course with defender Rached Arfaoui, brought the match at level and exactly after six minutes, Sugimoto released a perfect ball to Watanabe for the winner.
Japan’s opponents for the Monday’s Round of 16 tie has not been confirmed yet.
Photo: AFP