[사진=연합뉴스]
Japanese media predicted that it would be difficult to achieve a ‘Korea-Japan match’ in the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.
On the 23rd, Japanese soccer media outlet ‘Football Zone’ said, “For the ‘Korea-Japan match’ to become a reality, Korea needs to win with a large number of goals in the third game on the 25th. To aim for first place in the group, more than 3 goals must be scored.” He said, “Currently, Korea has six yellow cards, so there is a possibility that the starting members will be replaced significantly.”
He then expressed his excitement by saying, “Japan has now been decided to take second place in Group D.” As of the 23rd, Japan is in 2nd place in Group D with 1 win and 1 loss in 2 games. A face-off with Indonesia, who has tied points, is scheduled for the 24th. Japan, which has an advantage in goal difference, will advance to the round of 16 by drawing with Indonesia, but there is still a possibility of losing because the ball is round. If you lose, you will be pushed to third place.
The media also added, “At this point, the opponent we will meet in the round of 16 is Jordan.” It was predicted that it would not be easy for a Korea-Japan match to materialize in the round of 16.
Japan lost 1-2 in the match between Iraq and Japan in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup group stage held at Al Rayyan Education City Stadium in Qatar on the 19th. [사진=알라이얀, 연합뉴스]
The Korean national soccer team, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, is currently in second place in Group E. Korea, which won 3-1 against Bahrain in the first group match on the 15th, drew 2-2 with Jordan in the second match on the 20th. As a result, Korea, which has found it difficult to secure first place in the group on its own, is scheduled to play the third group match against Malaysia on the 25th.
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