January 22- The second round of Asian Cup group games saw several pre-tournament favourites given a fright and appears to show that Arab teams are closing the gap on their more illustrious opponents.
Japan, four-times champions and the highest-ranked team in the competition, were upset 2-1 by Iraq while South Korea almost lost to Jordan for the first time before an injury-time own goal spared their blushes.
Japan struggled with the physicality of their West Asian counterparts in what seemed like a home game for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
“We analysed before the game and knew how Iraq would play at the start, they did play very aggressively. Unfortunately we couldn’t handle it, I know we need to do more,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea were frustrated by a tactically disciplined Jordan in their 2-2 draw, failing to score from open play.
“What they did really well was they overpowered us physically in the one-v-one battles,” Klinsmann said.
South Korea skipper Son Heung-min, the biggest name at the tournament, added: “In the Asian Cup, there’s never an easy game. If you’re not ready mentally and physically, they can hurt you.”
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