Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ekaterinburg: Maya Yoshida stressed confidence was the key element in Japan’s 2-2 draw with Senegal on Sunday as Akira Nishino’s side twice came back from going behind to remain unbeaten at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Takashi Inui cancelled out Sadio Mane’s opener before Keisuke Honda came off the bench to claim a second equaliser 12 minutes from time after Moussa Wague had put Senegal back in front as the teams shared the points.
The draw means the pair are locked together on four points from their first two games in Group H and the Japanese are continuing to grow in confidence after a challenging build-up to the Finals.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/takashi_inui-japan-fifa.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/keisuke_honda-japan-fifa.html
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/akira_nishino-japan-fifa_1.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ekaterinburg: Goals by Takashi Inui and Keisuke Honda ensured Japan stayed on course for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia after fighting back twice for a 2-2 draw with Senegal in a Group H tie on Sunday.
Substitute Honda equalised with 12 minutes left as Japan twice pegged back Senegal in a thrilling 2-2 draw that leaves Group H wide open.
All eyes will now be on the other group match later on Sunday between Poland and Colombia following this stalemate at the Ekaterinburg Arena.
As it stands, Japan and Senegal have four points after two games, with Colombia and Poland on zero, though they have played a game less.
Midfielder Honda scored Japan's second goal after goalkeeper Khadim N'Diaye flapped at a cross.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ekaterinburg: Japan's hopes of winning the FIFA World Cup remain a work in process but their fans are proving champions off the pitch in Russia with their exemplary behaviour, even cleaning up after themselves at matches.
Footage of Japanese supporters tidying up after a game - cue amazed reaction from fans of other countries - has become a staple of recent FIFA World Cups.
Following their shock 2-1 win over Colombia on Tuesday - the first time an Asian team had beaten a South American one at a FIFA World Cup - Japanese fans gathered up their rubbish and stuffed it inside blue plastic bin bags.
The blue is no coincidence - it is the colour of the national side's shirts.
Their behaviour appeared to inspire Colombian and Senegalese fans to follow suit and this could be the tidiest FIFA World Cup in history.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Rostov-on-Don: Korea Republic’s Lee Seung-woo has pledged to give his all in his country’s final Group F clash against Germany on Wednesday despite Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Mexico taking Shin Tae-yong’s side to the brink of FIFA World Cup elimination.
The Koreans have yet to claim a point in their first two games but still harbour the slimmest of hopes of finishing second, with a victory over the Germans by two goals and a Swedish defeat at the hands of Mexico in the day’s other match required to take the Taeguk Warriors into the last 16.
But with the Mexico reversal the Koreans’ second straight loss following an agonising defeat by Sweden in their opener, Lee is not confident he and his teammates can advance to the knockout phase for the first time since 2010.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Islamic Republic of Iran will go into their deciding 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group B match against Portugal high in confidence and with no fear.
As head coach Carlos Queiroz sees it, Team Melli have nothing to lose against a team who are one of the favourites to lift the title but with IR Iran on the brink of creating history, he promised a performance filled with courage and passion against the reigning European champions.
"Portugal are not only a World Cup candidate but one of the most popular candidates for the championship," said Queiroz of his home nation.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Islamic Republic of Iran are on the brink of creating history and European champions Portugal can expect a highly charged Team Melli when the two sides clash in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group B match at the Mordovia Arena on Monday.
Both sides go into their final group game hoping that it will not be their last appearance at Russia 2018.
The difference is that a draw would be enough for Portugal to progress, while IR Iran need a win to secure qualification and break new ground in the process as they have never advanced past the group stage in their previous appearances.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Volgograd: Their target of advancing to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 has not been met but Saudi Arabia are aiming to end their campaign on a high note when they take on Egypt in their final Group A match at the Volgograd Arena on Monday.
Juan Antonio Pizzi's squad rebounded from the 5-0 defeat to hosts Russia in their opening match with a solid performance against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia will be aiming to go one better against Egypt.
Against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia fell to a Luis Suarez goal but Pizzi was happy with the way his players rebounded after the heavy defeat to Russia.