CGTN



 

In a riveting friendly held last year, Japan sent shock waves across the footballing world with a jaw-dropping 4-1 triumph over the mighty European giants Germany.

This commanding display of supremacy not only flaunted Japan's formidable prowess but also set the tone for their subsequent dominant run of wins. Riding this wave of success, the record four-time champions entered the Asian Cup with an air of insouciance.

Who on the continent would dare to challenge their hegemony on the pitch?

However, the Samurai Blue could hardly have predicted the tough challenge that awaited them in their opening match on Sunday in Qatar.

It wasn't until the moment Keito Nakamura expertly curled in a sublime strike from the edge of the box that Japan could finally exhale, knowing that their team would ultimately secure a hard-fought win over the impressive minnows Vietnam.

Upon initial observation, it appeared that Japan would easily secure a victory, as Vietnam's resistance crumbled a mere 11 minutes into the match.

Takumi Minamino capitalized on a rebound, finding himself in the perfect place to navigate the ball through a cluster of players and into the net. However, Vietnam stunned Japan with an equalizer just five minutes later.

From a corner, Nguyen Dinh Bac executed a deft glancing header that soared over goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and nestled into the net at the far post.

As the game progressed and both teams created scoring opportunities, it was Vietnam who seized the lead, courtesy of Pham Tuan Hai's strike at the half-hour mark.

Yet, their advantage was short-lived, as Minamino struck again on the brink of halftime. Released into the box by captain Wataru Endo, he found the back of the net, tilting the scales back in Japan's favor.

Bolstered by their urgency, Japan regained control just before the break, courtesy of an exquisite goal from Nakamura. This strike deflated Vietnam, and the second half saw predominantly one-way traffic.

Although Japan eased off the accelerator, they effectively put the game beyond Vietnam's grasp when Ayase Ueda found the back of the net in the 85th minute, securing all three points.

Later in the day, Iran made a powerful statement in their tournament opener by securing a convincing 4-1 win against Palestine. Karim Ansarifard, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Mehdi Ghayedi and Sardar Azmoun all found the back of the net, propelling Iran to a formidable start.

Palestine, on the other hand, managed to salvage a consolation goal through Tamer Seyam but are still in search of their maiden victory in the tournament.

Elsewhere, Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah came to the rescue of Egypt, salvaging a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). With just seconds remaining in the match, Salah calmly converted a penalty in the 97th minute, preventing Mozambique from securing their first-ever victory in the tournament. 

Egypt had taken the lead in Abidjan with a goal from Mostafa Mohamed within the first two minutes. But Mozambique took advantage of missed opportunities by Egypt and quickly turned the tables, scoring twice in a span of three minutes through Witi and substitute Clesio Bauque. 

Just when it seemed like a famous victory was within their grasp, Mozambique's defender Domingos Macandza committed a foul in the box, resulting in a penalty.

After a Video Assistant Referee check, the penalty was awarded, and Salah displayed nerves of steel as he calmly converted from the spot, ensuring Egypt avoided an embarrassing defeat.