Hong Kong: Takumi Minamino and Junya Ito is right on target when Japan handed over Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 defeat at Saitama Stadium to move to the side point Herve Renard at the top of Group B from the Introduction of the Asian World Cup on Tuesday.
Hajime Moriyasu’s troops appeared with three points from the battle between leading partners as a fight for two places available from groups in the World Cup intensified.
Asia has four guaranteed places in Qatar 2022, with the first two finisher in each of the two advanced qualifying groups.
Finishers third place in each group will play for the right to face South American opposition in the intercontinental playoffs.
Japan adopted a defense approach against the Saudi team that has dominated Group B and who will secure their place in the World Cup with a victory over Blue Samurai.
The ability of the Japanese counter-attack proves the difference between the team in the first 45 minutes, with the pace of ito the main problem for Saudi.
The Genk winger has threatened in the 29th minute when his shot was saved by Mohammed Al Owais after running behind the back line and, three minutes later, he used his speed again with great effects.
This time the 28-year-old player chose to find a teammate rather than shooting when he found more space behind the defense, rolling the ball into Minamino, whose business was strong enough to prevent him from coming out.
Five minutes after restarting ito changed from the provider to the scorer with an amazing attack from the edge of the area, leaving Al Owais without the opportunity as the ball flew to the upper corner.
The loss was the first Saudi Arabia from the third stage of Asia’s introduction and would provide hope to Australia in third place, which took Oman in Muscat later on Tuesday.
Iran has claimed one of the automatic beds in Asia in the final which began in November.
South Korea can seal their place in the tournament if they defeat Syria later on Tuesday.