Players of Japan celebrate scoring during the men's football group D first round match between Japan and Qatar at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
HANGZHOU, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan beat Qatar 3-1 in the first round of Group D in the Hangzhou Asian Games men's football competitions here on Wednesday.
Despite being composed mostly of college players, the Japanese side is still a strong title contender.
Japan scored from a free kick just two minutes into the game, and extended their lead to 2-0 in the 25th minute.
After the restart, Qatar strengthened the attack and scored from long range to recover their hope with more than 10 minutes left.
In the final stage of the game, Japan scored again to seal a 3-1 win.
Also on Wednesday, two group matches in Group C were canceled due to the withdrawal of the Afghan and Syrian teams, and Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, China progressed to the round of 16 in advance. ■
Yamasaki Taichi (L) of Japan vies for a header with Alrawi Ahmed of Qatar during the men's football group D first round match between Japan and Qatar at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Yachida Teppei of Japan celebrates scoring during the men's football group D first round match between Japan and Qatar at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Yachida Teppei of Japan celebrates scoring during the men's football group D first round match between Japan and Qatar at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Sato Kein of Japan competes during the men's football group D first round match between Japan and Qatar at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
Madjer Lotfi (C) of Qatar jumps for a header during the men's football group D first round match between Japan and Qatar at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
