Date: 10 September 2024
Kickoff: 21:30
Location: Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa
Attendance: 22,729
The FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers continued with a highly anticipated clash between the Bahrain Republic National Football Team and the Japan National Football Team. The two Group C teams met in Riffa at the Bahrain National Stadium, with Bahrain hoping to capitalize on home advantage. However, Japan, known for their tactical brilliance and individual talent, had other plans.
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Head to Head
Historically, Japan has dominated the encounters between the two teams, with five wins out of five previous meetings. In their most recent matchup before this game, Japan secured a convincing 3-1 victory. Bahrain, coming off a mixed set of results, entered this match seeking redemption against a formidable opponent.
Recent Results:
- Bahrain: WDDWL
- Japan: WWWWW
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Lineups
Bahrain (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Ebrahim Lutfalla
- Defenders: Amine Benadi, Sayed Mahdi, Vincente Emmanuel, Abdulla Alkhulasi
- Midfielders: Abbas Alasfoor, Ali Haram (Jasim Alshaikh 45’), Komail Alaswad (Mahdi Alhumaidan 67’), Mohamed Marhoon (Abdulwahab Almalood 77’)
- Forwards: Ali Madan (Ebrahim Mubarak Alkhatal 37’), Husain Abdulkarim (Mahdi Abdouljabbar 67’)
Japan (3-4-3)
- Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
- Defenders: Shogo Taniguchi, Kou Itakura, Koki Machida
- Midfielders: Hidemasa Morita, Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino (Takefusa Kubo 65’), Kaoru Mitoma (Keito Nakamura 72’)
- Forwards: Ayase Ueda (Koki Ogawa 65’), Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan (Junya Ito 45’)
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team First Half
Japan entered the match confidently, pressing high from the first whistle. In the 34th minute, a foul in the box by Bahrain’s Abdulla Alkhulasi gifted Japan a penalty, which Ayase Ueda coolly converted in the 37th minute, giving Japan a 1-0 lead. Despite Bahrain’s efforts, Japan’s dominance continued, as they controlled possession and created several goal-scoring opportunities.
Half-time Score: Bahrain 0-1 Japan
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Second Half
The second half saw Japan come out even stronger. Ayase Ueda doubled Japan’s lead in the 47th minute, finishing from a well-placed pass by Junya Ito. Bahrain struggled to cope with Japan’s relentless attacks, and Hidemasa Morita added two more goals in the 61st and 64th minutes, pushing Japan’s lead to 4-0. Koki Ogawa then sealed the emphatic win with a fifth goal in the 81st minute.
Bahrain, on the other hand, had very few moments of threat, and their best chance was thwarted by Japan’s strong defensive setup. Bahrain’s frustration boiled over in the 88th minute when Ebrahim Mubarak Alkhatal was shown a yellow card for a reckless foul.
Full-time Score: Bahrain 0-5 Japan
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Stats
| Bahrain vs Japan Stats | Bahrain | Japan |
| Goals | 0 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 9 |
| Possession | 42% | 58% |
| Fouls | 12 | 9 |
| Offsides | 2 | 3 |
| Corners | 3 | 7 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Timeline
- 37′: (Japan) – Ayase Ueda scores from the penalty spot to make it 1-0.
- 45′: Substitution – Junya Ito replaces Ritsu Doan.
- 47′: (Japan) – Ayase Ueda doubles Japan’s lead (2-0) with a clinical finish.
- 61′: (Japan) – Hidemasa Morita scores after a brilliant attacking play, extending the lead to 3-0.
- 64′: (Japan) – Hidemasa Morita nets again, putting Japan ahead 4-0.
- 65′: Substitutions – Koki Ogawa replaces Ayase Ueda, and Takefusa Kubo replaces Takumi Minamino.
- 81′: (Japan) – Koki Ogawa adds a fifth goal for Japan, securing the victory (5-0).
- 88′: (Bahrain) – Ebrahim Mubarak Alkhatal is booked for a foul.
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Impact on the Points Table
Japan’s convincing 5-0 win over Bahrain sees them remain atop Group C in the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers. With this win, Japan continues their unbeaten run and solidifies their position as group leaders with 9 points. Bahrain, meanwhile, remains mid-table with 4 points, needing to improve significantly in upcoming matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Bahrain Republic National Football Team vs Japan National Football Team Man of the Match: Hidemasa Morita
Hidemasa Morita’s outstanding performance in midfield, capped off by two goals in quick succession, earned him the well-deserved title of Man of the Match. His tireless work both offensively and defensively ensured Japan’s dominance throughout the game.
Japan’s 5-0 triumph over Bahrain in the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers was a statement performance. Bahrain struggled to keep pace with Japan’s superior tactics, sharp passing, and relentless attacks. Japan now looks ahead with confidence as they remain strong contenders to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Bahrain, on the other hand, will need to regroup and make significant tactical changes in their remaining matches if they hope to remain in the competition.
