AFC Asian Qualifiers
The defeat means Japan have opened a five-point gap at the top of the standings after only three matches, leading Mancini to admit that Saudi Arabia are in a fight with Australia to finish second in the group, which will also mean automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group C : Saudi Arabia 0 -2 Japan
“We didn't create many chances and we should have done so. We knew that Japan are a big candidate to top the group and we will play with Australia to achieve second place.
"After the 70th minute, there was a decline in the team's fitness, we wanted to play counter attacks and that was backfiring on us. We may have lost our focus at the end of the match,” said the Italian.
Japan took a well deserved lead through Daichi Kamada in the 14th minute with substitute Koki Ogawa powering home the second goal with a header with nine minutes remaining for their third win on the trot, while Saudi Arabia remained on four points.
It was a sobering result as the West Asian side had triumphed in Japan’s previous two visits but Mancini said his team must not dwell on the past.
"We don't live in the past, the important thing is to qualify regardless of the ranking. Three years ago the situation (in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar) was different. Maybe the players were playing more or were younger. We have to deal with the current situation.”
Saudi Arabia meet Bahrain in Jeddah on Tuesday while Japan will look to further strengthen their grip on the group when they welcome Australia to Saitama, with head coach Hajime Moriyasu praising his players for sticking to the game plan.
"In every match we have a different tactic and against Saudi Arabia, we played with three defenders at the back because we were playing against a strong team. We worked hard on that. We faced pressure in the first half but in general, the plan worked.
“Despite the fact that we won by two goals, it could have been different as Saudi Arabia played great football and their fans were really supportive. I expect them to go to the World Cup,” said Moriyasu.
Related News
- AFC Asian Qualifiers
Hong hails Korea Republic players for raising the bar
- AFC Asian Qualifiers
Marhoon vows Bahrain will bounce back
- AFC Asian Qualifiers
Ghalenoei, Radmanovic content with stalemate
- AFC Asian Qualifiers
Popovic praises Australia's composure
- AFC Asian Qualifiers
#AsianQualifiers - MD3: Results & Reports
Item 1 of 5