In a thrilling encounter that saw Japan secure their third consecutive win, the Samurai Blue clinched the top spot in Group D of the Olympic Games 2024. Their late 1-0 victory against Israel ensured their unblemished record, while Israel exited the tournament after an unfortunate ninth game without a win at consecutive tournaments (D5, L4). Let’s dive into the match details, the key moments, and what lies ahead for Japan in the knockout stages.
A Tactical Shuffle by Japan
Having already secured their place in the last-eight, Japan’s manager, Go Oiwa, made six changes from their previous victory over Mali. This tactical shuffle aimed to rest key players and provide match experience to others. On the other hand, Israel, managed by Guy Luzon, entered the game with a do-or-die mentality, needing a victory and a draw between Paraguay and Mali to advance.
Early Dominance by Israel
Israel started the match on the front foot, demonstrating their urgency. In the ninth minute, Ido Shahar’s shot on the turn was easily collected by Japan’s goalkeeper, Leo Kokubo. A promising counter-attack in the 17th minute saw Elad Madmon drag his shot wide, missing a golden opportunity to put Israel ahead. Despite their early efforts, Israel failed to capitalize on these chances.
Japan’s Steady Response
Japan gradually found its rhythm, particularly through a series of corners that saw Seiji Kimura come close with headers. Just before the half-hour mark, Kimura nodded over the bar and forced a save from Israel’s Omer Yaacov Nir On the right at halftime. The Samurai Blue, though playing in white, began to assert control over the game.
Controversial Moments and Missed Chances
The second half began slowly, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. The match saw a moment of controversy in the 64th minute when Roy Revivo went down in the box under pressure from Ryuya Nishio. The appeal for a penalty was waved away by Honduran referee Saíd Martínez, much to Israel’s frustration. Japan quickly transitioned to attack, with substitute Shunsuke Mito testing Nir On.
Late Drama and Japan’s Decisive Goal
As the match entered its final stages, a defensive mix-up from Japan allowed Liel Abada a clear shot, which Kokubo well saved. Moments later, Dor Turgeman’s solo run was thwarted by Kokubo, and Ilay Feingold’s follow-up shot soared over the bar, preserving Japan’s clean sheet.
With just minutes remaining, Mao Hosoya sealed the victory for Japan, sweeping home from Kein Sato’s cutback right on the 90-minute mark. This goal confirmed Japan’s 100% record in the group stage and dashed Israel’s hopes of progressing.
Looking Ahead: Quarter-Final Clash with Spain
Japan’s impeccable performance in the group stage and their defensive solidity set them up for a challenging quarter-final tie against Spain. As the 2024 Under 23 Asian Cup champions, Japan will head into the match full of confidence, aiming to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
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Japan’s journey in the Olympic Games 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. Their disciplined approach, tactical flexibility, and resilience have made them a formidable team to watch. As they prepare for their quarter-final clash with Spain, the world will be watching to see if they can continue their winning streak and make history. Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling moments from the Olympic Games 2024!