Both Japan and China PR started the match with moderate squad rotation. Early on, Japan threatened down the right flank through Heroki Mochizuki. In the 11th minute, Japan got on the scoreboard. Satoshi Tanaka played a sharp forward pass, which Mao Hosoya controlled with a clever turn before finishing on his second touch. China PR couldn’t react in time to Japan’s quick play. China PR still had a big chance in the 17th minute. Captain Yuning Zhang brke free after a Japanese mistake, but goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa made a crucial save. The first half ended with Japan leading 1-0.
After the break, Japan brought on Sho Inagaki, while China PR introduced Wenneng Xie. China PR started the second half with stronger attacks, but the next goal also came from Japan. Heroki Mochizuki’s left-footed shot from outside the box took a deflection and crossed the line. Both sides traded attacks afterward, but no more goals were scored. The match finished 2-0. With this win, Japan claimed their second straight victory and stayed in the title race. China PR, now with two defeats, must look to turn things around against Hong Kong, China in their next match.