ABU DHABI (AFP) - Yuya Osako netted a quickfire double as former champions Japan survived a scare to beat Turkmenistan 3-2 in their Asian Cup opener on Wednesday (Jan 9).
The Blue Samurai reached the last 16 of last year's World Cup but they had to fight back from a goal down at halftime in their Group F clash in Abu Dhabi.
Turkmenistan captain Arslan Amanov put the underdogs ahead after 26 minutes, unleashing a ferocious long-range drive that arrowed into the top corner.
But Osako produced a smart turn and finish inside the box to equalise for Japan 10 minutes into the second half after sustained pressure from the four-time Asian champions.
The Werder Bremen striker put Japan in front four minutes later, tapping into an empty net after Yuto Nagatomo's dinked pass over goalkeeper Mammet Orazmuhammedow.
Ritsu Doan added a deflected third after 70 minutes, but Ahmet Atayev smashed in a penalty 11 minutes from time for the Emeralds to ensure a nervous finish for the Japanese.
Uzbekistan play Oman in the other Group F game in Sharjah later on Wednesday.
Tottenham Hotspur gained sweet revenge over north London rivals Arsenal as goals in each half by Son Heung-min and Dele Alli earned them a 2-0 win on Wednesday and a League Cup semi-final place.
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and Kadir Yahaya joining Geylang United [now Geylang International], Malek Awab and Rafi Ali signing for Tampines Rovers. Giving credit to Singapore coach Bernd Stange, his side are exactly where they want to be in the ongoing Asian Cup qualifiers.
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SOUTHAMPTON, England (REUTERS) - Southampton secured their Premier League status for another year after a thrilling 3-3 home draw with Bournemouth on Saturday (April 27) as Cardiff City slumped to
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Los Angeles: Former England star Wayne Rooney scored three goals on Saturday night to lead D.C. United to a crushing 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. Rooney registered his first three goals of the new season and also his first hat trick since signing on with Major League Soccer in July 2018. He now has five multi-goal games.
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LIVERPOOL (REUTERS) - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to give "every fibre of their bodies" in the battle for the Premier League title.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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Richarlison continues to impress but West Ham continue to struggle, while two promising English youngsters shine - Saturday's Premier League talking points.
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Defoe has joined Rangers on loan But has now snapped up the 36-year-old - who has been allowed to leave Bournemouth in search of first-team football. The deal includes two recall options in summer
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Football: Kedah-bound national defender Shakir Hamzah enjoying a new lease of life SINGAPORE - He was arrested for failing to attend court for a traffic summons last year, and served four days in detention after being charged by the Singapore Police Force in 2013 for going absent without official leave (AWOL) to play in a Malaysia Super League
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