Japan U17 national team successfully qualified for the semi-finals after beating Australia U17 national team with a score of 3-1 in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 quarter-finals at Pathum Thani Stadium.
Japan entered the match with a good rhythm from the beginning and took the lead in the 10th minute. A long throw from Shotaro Shibata from deep on the right flank was sent in front of the goal, and Gazora Nawada closed it in to score the opening goal.
With this momentum, in the 23rd minute, Yutaka Michiwaki, who had been waiting in front, sent a controlled shot into the left side of the goal to score the second goal. Wrap the first half as 2-0.
In the second half, Japan faced a counterattack from Australia and maintained a 2-point lead thanks to fine saves by goalkeeper Wataru Goto, but in the 62nd minute Iran Kunda, who slipped past the goal, swayed the net and closed the gap to 1 goal. .
Still, Japan scored a big third goal in the 74th minute. Reihata Takaoka, who was able to escape in front of the goal with Ryunosuke Sato’s pass, made a calm feint to clear the opposing defender who came in the cover and put the shot in, making the score 3-1.
After that, Japan, who held off Australia’s counterattack, won the match and secured a place in the U-17 World Cup for the third straight tournament by making it into the quarter-finals.
After this, Japan will face U-17 Iran in the semi-finals on the 29th for a place in the final.
Credit Photo : Lim Keng Hong/SNE Images
