U23 Japan defeated U23 Thailand 3-0 in the last match of Group A on the evening of September 23, thereby winning the top spot in the group and fully determining the 4 matches in the quarter-finals of the ASIAD 20 men's football event.
Before the match, U23 Japan and U23 Thailand both had 6 points, and soon qualified for the next round. The confrontation is therefore meaningful in determining the top spot in Group A.
With home advantage, U23 Japan proactively pushed up the squad right after the opening whistle. The team from the land of the rising sun controlled the ball, continuously organized attacks and put a lot of pressure on Thailand's defense.
In the 31st minute, Yotaro Nakajima scored the opening goal for U23 Japan after a close-range finish. In the first half, the home team launched 15 shots, while U23 Thailand did not create many clear chances.
In the second half, U23 Japan continued to maintain the overwhelming game. In the 47th minute, Keita Kosugi increased the score to 2-0. Just one minute later, Hisatsugu Ishii continued to score, helping the home team lead 3-0.
Not scoring more goals in the remaining time, U23 Japan still maintained a 3-0 victory. This team closed the group stage with a perfect record, winning 9 points, scoring 12 goals and not conceding any goals.
U23 Thailand is ranked second in Group A with 6 points. U23 Kyrgyzstan has 3 points and ranks third, while U23 Hong Kong is at the bottom of the group.
After Group A ended, the 8 teams participating in the quarter-finals have been determined. U23 Japan will meet U23 DPRK, while U23 Thailand will face U23 China.
In the remaining two matches, U23 Uzbekistan will meet U23 Saudi Arabia. Notably, U23 Vietnam will face U23 Korea.
The quarter-final matches of the ASIAD 20 men's football event will take place on September 25 and 26.
