Entering the first match of the knockout stage, Japan made 10 changes to their starting line-up since their 0-1 defeat to Korea Republic in the group stage. KOKUBO Leo Brian (SL Benfica) started in goal behind a backline of SEKINE Hiroki (Kashiwa Reysol), TAKAI Kota (Kawasaki Frontale), KIMURA Seiji (Sagan Tosu), and OHATA Ayumu (Urawa Red Diamonds). FUJITA Joel Chima (Sint-Truidense VV), YAMAMOTO Rihito (Sint-Truidense VV), and MATSUKI Kuryu (FC Tokyo) were placed in midfield, while SATO Kein (SV Werder Bremen) and YAMADA Fuki (Tokyo Verdy) were deployed on the flanks with HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol) playing as a central striker.
Despite having to open their knockout campaign in a complete away atmosphere against the hosts, Japan showed plenty of aggression from the outset, which led to the opening goal in the second minute when Yamada pounced on a misplaced pass from the home side and scored with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. .....
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