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| 사진=AP Yonhap News |
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| 사진=REUTERS Yonhap News |
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| 사진=REUTERS Yonhap News |
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The possibility of Japan's 'World No. 1' has increased.
The Japanese national soccer team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, will play Group C's seventh match against Bahrain in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at Saitama Stadium in Japan at 7:35 p.m. on the 20th.
Japan ranks first in the group with five wins and one draw (16 points) in six games. Japan will confirm its advance to the World Cup finals if it wins just one game in the 7th and 8th games at home. Except for the host country, it is an opportunity to win a ticket to the World Cup finals as the No. 1 player in the world.
More welcome news has been delivered. This is because of the results of the Australia-Indonesia match, which started about an hour and 20 minutes earlier than the Japan-Brain match. The two teams clashed at the Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia at 6:10 p.m. on the 20th. Until now, Australia (7 points) and Indonesia (6 points) were in second to third place side by side with one point between them. If Indonesia draws or loses in this game, it would be in Japan's favor.
Japanese media Chunichi Sports said on the 19th 'Japan's participation in the World Cup can be decided according to the results of the Australia-Indonesia match. According to the results of the Australia-Indonesia match, which starts before the Japan-Barrain match, even if it is a draw, the participation in the World Cup will be decided' According to the outlet, Moriyasu wants to win and fight at home to rejoice with fans. I have a perception that my opponent is strong. (The result of the Australia-Indonesia match) will not be informed to the players.
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| 사진=EPA-AAP Yonhap News |
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| Photo = AFP Yonhap News |
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| Photo = AFP Yonhap News |
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The match between Australia and Indonesia has begun. 'Home team' Australia pushed from the beginning. Martin Boyle scored in the 18th minute of the first half, Nishan Belupilay in the 20th minute of the first half, and Jackson Irvin in the 34th minute of the first half. Australia closed the first half with a 3-0 lead.
At the beginning of the second half, both teams used replacement cards. Australia put in Brandon Borrello instead of Adam Taggart and Boyle. Australia's powerful attacks continued. Indonesia put Sandy Walsh in place of Mes Hillh in the 15th minute of the second half. However, Australia widened the gap to 4-0 with Lewis Miller's header goal just a minute later. Indonesia chased after Ole Romenji with a score in the 33rd minute of the second half. But there was no reversal. Australia tied Irvin's net goal at the end of the second half to end the 5-1 victory. As a result, Japan is in an advantageous position to confirm its advance to the World Cup as the world's No. 1 player only with a draw with Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Indonesia parted ways with Shin Tae-yong on Jan. 6. The Indonesian Football Association has terminated its contract with coach Shin for the national team and the U-23 national team. The decision was made after evaluation and long-term consideration for the achievements and long-term goals. I am grateful to coach Shin for his contribution to the development of Indonesian soccer. I wish you all the best in the future.
Coach Shin agreed to renew his contract with Indonesia in April last year until 2027. He was recognized for his achievements such as advancing to the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup and advancing to the quarterfinals of the U-23 Asian Cup. In addition, Shin showed his strength by meeting top-ranked teams such as Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China in the third qualifying round of the North-China World Cup. However, the Mitsubishi Cup, which was just finished with Vietnam's victory, was a problem. Coach Shin organized the tournament's squad, which is not subject to the FIFA mandatory transfer rules, mainly for players under the age of 22. It was a stepping stone to find a new face and to strengthen the national team and U-23 team's power. However, Indonesia's shaking in the group stage was interpreted as a problem.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
