Tashkent: Head coach Go Oiwa admitted Japan were a little nervous in the first half, but was satisfied with how his team adapted to tactical changes to clinch a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in their opening AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 Group D match on Friday.
UAE had the brighter start at the Pakhtakor Stadium, but Japan gradually took a hold on the match to open the scoring through Yuito Suzuki in the 61st minute, with Yaser Alblooshi equalising two minutes later.
The West Asians then missed an opportunity to turn the tide from a penalty kick, with Mao Hosoya then heading home the winner in the 76th minute. .....
EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
NEWS / RELEASE
Language is changed ENGLISH
10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] [AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Oiwa pleased with Japan’s flexibility, UAE’s resolve impresses Silva
+
10passion
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] [AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Group D: Japan edge UAE in thrilling encounter](https://image.eaff.com/index/6490.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] 【Match Report】SAMURAI BLUE score four goals to start off four-game series with win over Paraguay](https://image.eaff.com/index/6489.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] [AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Lee pleased with role in Korea Republic victory, Maloney rues Malaysia's defeat](https://image.eaff.com/index/6488.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] [AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Group C: Korea Republic open title defence with win against Malaysia](https://image.eaff.com/index/6487.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA] Taegeuk Warriors suffer 5-1 defeat against Brazil](https://image.eaff.com/index/6486.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] U-21 Japan National Team announce squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™](https://image.eaff.com/index/6484.jpg)
![[AFC U20 ASIAN CUP] Draw sets stage for rising stars' journey to glory](https://image.eaff.com/index/6483.jpg)
![[AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Asia's young talents learn qualification opponents](https://image.eaff.com/index/6482.jpg)