In their second group-stage clash of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup on Friday, Iraq is set to face off against the favored Japan at the Education City Stadium.
Both teams enter this pivotal match with successful starts to their campaigns. Iraq secured a 3-1 victory over Indonesia, with Mohanad Ali’s goal in the 17th minute setting the tone. Despite an equalizer from Marselino Ferdinan, Iraq secured a comfortable win with goals from Osama Rashid and Aymen Hussein.
Japan, the 2011 champions, showcased an impressive performance in their campaign opener against Vietnam, winning 4-2. Takumi Minamino led the charge with two goals and an assist in the first half, contributing to a total of five goals before halftime. In the 84th minute, Takefusa Kubo entered the field and swiftly provided an assist for Ayase Ueda.
With both teams eyeing a spot in the knockout round, the victor of this encounter is poised to secure a leading position in Group D.
Iraq vs Japan Head To Head
here’s a summary of the head-to-head record between Iraq and Japan in football (soccer):
- Overall: Japan leads the head-to-head record with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses against Iraq.
- Recent form: Japan has been in dominant form against Iraq in recent meetings, winning the last 4 encounters by a combined score of 18-3.
- Biggest win: Japan’s biggest win against Iraq came in the 2023 Asian Cup group stage, where they won 5-0.
- Last meeting: The two teams last met on January 14, 2024, in the 2024 Asian Cup group stage, with Japan winning 4-2.
Here is a table that summarizes the head-to-head record between Iraq and Japan:
Competition | Date | Venue | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Asian Cup | 14/01/2024 | Education City Stadium | Japan | 4-2 | Iraq |
Friendly | 10/10/2019 | Basra Stadium | Iraq | 0-1 | Japan |
Asian Cup Qualification | 14/11/2018 | Saitama Stadium 2002 | Japan | 4-0 | Iraq |
Kirin Cup | 22/03/2018 | Yokohama International Stadium | Japan | 2-1 | Iraq |
2015 Asian Cup | 13/01/2015 | Canberra Stadium | Japan | 1-0 | Iraq |
2011 Asian Cup | 29/01/2011 | Al-Gharafa Stadium | Iraq | 1-2 a.e.t | Japan |
Prediction
Japan has been very impressive in this tournament. They have a good squad made up of young , talented and skillful players. They shouldn’t find it difficult defeating Iraq. We are therefore predicting a win for Japan.
Leave a Reply