The talented 19-year-old’s fearsome drive from fully 30 yards was just one of the highlights as his side beat regional rivals DPR Korea 5-2 to begin the defence of their AFC U-19 Championship crown in some style on Thursday.

The victory took head coach Masanaga Kageyama’s charges to the top of the Group B standings and provided further evidence as to why Ito is held in such high regard by both club and country.

With a second group stage game to come against Thailand on Monday, Ito was however quick to dismiss any sense of personal glory, insisting instead that only one thing mattered – Japan retaining their title.

 

Despite the eventual scoreline, Japan were made to dig deep by their regional rivals who came from to two goals down to level matters towards the end of a frenetic first period.

However, three more Japanese goals after the break – including a stunning Takefusa Kubo free-kick – eventually proved the difference, with Kageyama delighted by how the reigning champions reacted to their earlier setback.

Trailing 3-1 in the dying embers of the match, strikes from Korawich Tasa and Suphanat Mueanta on 87 and 94 minutes respectively ultimately ensured a share of the spoils for Thailand – a last gasp revival that clearly delighted the tactician.

“The first thing that I want to do is thank the players who kept going right until the end,” declared Ithsara.

“When we conceded the third goal I thought the team reacted in a very good and positive way and for that they should definitely be praised.

“We managed to get a draw thanks to the way they reacted, and we are happy with that result from our first game.”

Kubo’s strike came after the Koreans had recovered from being two goals down on a night of absorbing action at Bogor’s Pakansari Stadium.

The victory sees Japan go to the top of the Group B table, two points ahead of both Thailand and Iraq who drew 3-3 in the group’s earlier game.

Brought on in the second half, Suphanat struck in the 94th minute to earn his side a point from a game they had come desperately close to losing at the Pakansari Stadium.

On an afternoon of high drama, it was Thailand who were the first to threaten through Sittichok Paso’s 13th minute strike from distance but it was expertly gathered by goalkeeper Haval Bahaalddin.

The Croatian head coach was pleased with Harimau Muda's effort in their opening Group D clash, as the Southeast Asians ensured it wasn't only the humid conditions that made the two-time champions sweat.

"We are here as underdogs, playing against Saudi Arabia who are one of Asia's power teams and nobody expects too much, but we gave them a tough time," the former Johor Darul Ta'zim and Kelantan boss explained.

"I told the boys I am proud that they fought for all 90 minutes. I think that they were playing near maximum.

"Overall, I am not disappointed, I am proud. Of course, there are mistakes. There are always mistakes and if there weren't you'd win every game, but we are not at that level yet."

Sharafjon Solehov's precise 77th minute strike gave the Central Asians a 1-0 win at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, putting them in a strong position to each the quarter-finals for the second consecutive edition of the competition.

Speaking after the match, a delighted Ergashev said the result was a fair reward for his young side's performance.

"China is a good team with good players, but we had more chances," he declared "We could have scored earlier also."

"In football the best team on the day is the winner, and I think Tajikistan was the best team in this game."