Japan v Philippines AFC Asian Cup Quarter Finals

A tough game with Japan wanting to get more trophies kept their title while the Philippines tried to book their place in the semi finals.

(Image credit to The AFC)

The game kicked off, both teams wanted to get a place. The sunny pitch had an amazing atmosphere. Both teams seemed to be spending a lot of the time on one half of the pitch. An amazing delivery from the Philippines, but Japan got fast control, taking a strike within 3 minutes, but was knocked away.

Japan had strong possession, passing back and forth, trying to just hit the back post, but the Philippines had strong defence. Unfortunately, there seemed to be an early knee injury for the Philippines. The player had to be subbed off but was able to walk off, so that was good.

In the 11th minute, Japan went back and forth, outwards, in and out with the ball. They went for the shot, but it landed right into the hands of the keeper. Japan got themselves another corner; it landed right near the goal but was sent into the centre of the pitch. Japan had lovely one-touch passes. Japan had some amazing shots, but the Philippines defence was too strong.

In the 29th minute, the shot was just wide by Japan. Unfortunately, on the 36th minute, Japan was given a free kick. The delivery was low, passed to the goal, but was saved. 41st minute, another shot from Japan, but was saved. In the 43rd minute, Japan was in the penalty area, searching for options.

In the 44th minute, the Philippines goalkeeper had save after save, going faster and faster, eventually making it over the post, but the flag was raised for a possible goal, and the goal was awarded, 1-0 to Japan, which was scored by Tanaka just before half time. An extra 4 minutes extra time was added. Japan was given yet another free kick, and it went perfectly into the back right of the net in the 45 minute +2 minute, scored by Koga.

The half-time whistle was blown with the score 2-0 to Japan. The game restarted; Japan immediately got on the ball. The Philippines went down the pitch, going as fast as they could to get an opportunity, but was quickly defended off by Japan.

In the 65th minute, it went right at the back left post of the goal, all thanks to Chiba, leading Japan to a 3-0 ahead, an amazing finish full of control. Japan made small but strong passes, and not even 2 minutes later, in the 67th minute, Japan took another shot, and right on the top right side of the goal it landed, scored by Matsukubo.

Sadly, another Philippines player went down and was escorted off the pitch. What an amazing game of football that was, both teams played strong to both hold a place in the semi finals.

In the 76th minute, not even 10 minutes later, Japan scored a high shot, and it was headed in by Koga—2 goals in one game, amazing. The Philippines tried to clear the ball from their side as much as they could.

In the 86th minute, there was a lovely and another smooth goal for Japan by Tanikawa, leaving the score at 6-0 with 4 minutes remaining. Japan held the game strong, and in the final minute, Japan scored their final 7th goal—what a header by Ueki.

An extra 5 minutes of extra time was added. Japan still tried to find space but did not get enough, and it ended up just wide. The full-time whistle was blown, the final score was 7-0 to Japan, securing them the place in the semi finals.

Article written by Nailah Gajia