Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu lauded his players’ “spirit” after reaching the Asian Cup final with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Iran at the Hazza bin Zayed stadium in Al Ain on Monday.
Japan had struggled to hit top form in reaching the semi-final, having fought back in their opening group match against Turkmenistan, before securing hard-fought, one-goal margin wins against Oman and Uzbekistan.
The four-time champions then claimed successive 1-0 wins in the knockout stages against Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, needing VAR to settle their quarter-final against the side from South East Asia.
However, against Iran – the highest-ranked team in the competition who were yet to concede – Japan displayed far more attacking ambition, with Yuya Osako finding the net twice.
The Werder Bremen forward broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a header, before doubling Japan’s lead from the penalty spot 11 minutes later. Genki Haraguchi rounded off his side’s win with a goal in injury-time.
Despite the vastly improved attacking performance, Moriyasu insisted his team had not deviated from their pre-match tactics.
“I have the same answer as always about our game plan, that’s was to play exactly how we have been playing throughout the tournament,” he said.
Osako’s opener arrived after Iran had appeared to stop playing playing after what appeared to be a foul from Iran defender Mohammad Kanani on Takumi Minamino. However, the referee did not stop play, allowing Minamino to pick himself up, dart after the ball, and send a cross in for the unmarked Osako to head home.
Osako’s second came after Morteza Pouraliganji was penalised for handball, and despite the referee referring to VAR, his original decision stood as the 28-year-old striker slotted home from the spot.
With the result all but confirmed, Haraguchi with a fine solo run before shooting beyond Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
“What our players did was knowing the opponent they played a bit more offensive game. They showed a lot of spirit. Tonight they knew to keep the ball was important,” Moriyasu said.
“We knew it’s going to be a tough game against Iran and the players did what had to be done according to the situations on the pitch.
“They tried to keep possession but we attacked and defended as we had done in the previous matches. Iran played a good pace and we had to match them and that’s exactly what happed on the pitch.”
Iran manager Carlos Queiroz stepped down from his position after the defeat, ending a tumultuous eight years in charge of the team, and the Portuguese was quick to praise his players following his resignation.
“There isn’t too much to say about this match,” he said. “It was a very competitive and balanced semi-final but in different styles.
“Congratulations to Japan and I need to thank my players for everything they gave on the pitch throughout this tournament. I’m so happy with the journey I have had with the Iran team.
“They deserved to be in the final. It’s time to show my gratitude to the Iranian fans.
“The Iranian players have earned the respect from all over the world. The clubs and people outside have shown the respect to them. They really see the results and the fight they show on the pitch.
“My gratitude from the bottom of my heart to the players. Like in the last eight years I take full responsibility of the defeat. I think I have laid the foundation for this team to perform well.”
Japan, chasing a fifth Asian Cup, will meet the winner of the second semi-final between the UAE and Qatar which will be played at the Mohamed bin Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 race, 12:30pm
Formula 1 final practice, 2pm
Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm
Formula 2 race, 6:40pm
Performance: Sam Smith
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
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Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
