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AFC U23 Asian Cup
Jordan took the lead 30 minutes into the match and in doing so, became the first side to score against the defending champions at Saudi Arabia 2026 but Oiwa’s decision to send on Shusuke Furuya at the start of the second half paid off handsomely, with the midfielder equalising four minutes after coming on.
The two-time champions failed to find a winner at the end of 120 minutes but prevailed 4-2 in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final against either Australia or Korea Republic on Tuesday.
The two-time champions failed to find a winner at the end of 120 minutes but prevailed 4-2 in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final against either Australia or Korea Republic on Tuesday.
#AFCU23 | Quarter-finals: Japan 1 (4)-(2) 1 Jordan
“Jordan were tough opponents but our players performed exceptionally well and we have now progressed to the next round,” said Oiwa, who guided the East Asian side to the title two years ago.
“We expected Jordan to be aggressive in the first half. Conceding early made things more difficult but we focused on capitalising on our chances in the second half and managed to equalise – a tactical adjustment I’m proud of."
“We expected Jordan to be aggressive in the first half. Conceding early made things more difficult but we focused on capitalising on our chances in the second half and managed to equalise – a tactical adjustment I’m proud of."
“We also changed our formation and revitalised our attacks from the right flank. Jordan were very quick, so we adjusted our tactics accordingly and ensured our players remained alert and ready.”
Japan faced little resistance in the group stage, topping Group B with a perfect record of nine points but their invincibility was tested by Jordan, prompting the former Kashima Antlers head coach to rethink his approach.
Japan faced little resistance in the group stage, topping Group B with a perfect record of nine points but their invincibility was tested by Jordan, prompting the former Kashima Antlers head coach to rethink his approach.
“Jordan are the strongest team we have faced so far. Although we couldn’t fully play our ideal game during the toughest moments, our young players controlled the match well, particularly in the second half.
“This being our first knockout stage game, I anticipated that the players would feel some tension. Our squad is very young, yet they were in good condition and performed admirably.
“While we couldn’t play entirely on our terms, (goalkeeper Rui) Araki performed exceptionally in the shoot-out, helping us overcome the challenge and giving the team confidence.”
“This being our first knockout stage game, I anticipated that the players would feel some tension. Our squad is very young, yet they were in good condition and performed admirably.
“While we couldn’t play entirely on our terms, (goalkeeper Rui) Araki performed exceptionally in the shoot-out, helping us overcome the challenge and giving the team confidence.”
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