Tragedy Repeats for Moriyasu’s Japan in Asian Cup Defeat to Iraq
In a significant upset at the Asian Cup, Japan’s national football team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, suffered a 1-2 defeat to Iraq. Ranked 17th in the FIFA World Rankings, Japan’s loss to 63rd ranked Iraq is seen as a major disappointment. This match in Qatar for Moriyasu echoed the memories of the “Agony of Doha,” a significant moment in Japanese football history. His comment in the post-match press conference, “I am here in the capacity of a coach now,” reflects his current responsibility and the weight of the defeat.
【アジア杯】カタールの“悲劇”再び…森保ジャパンがイラクに完敗https://t.co/Di2t6haCo5
FIFAランク17位の日本は、63位のイラクに1-2で敗れ今大会初黒星。森保監督にとってカタールでイラクと対戦するのは「ドーハの悲劇」以来。会見では「今は監督という立場で来ている」と話していた。 pic.twitter.com/pGw4Ksw0lm
— ライブドアニュース (@livedoornews) January 19, 2024
User Reactions:
- taka1009jpgr: “After the tragedy of Doha, now the tragedy of Qatar…”
- k_zain_zameen: “Japan is a very hardworking team. They need more focus.”
- buritaro28: “It was a close call at the end!”
- S_yuusuke0326: “They did well. Iraq, who won, was strong. Got outplayed in the first half.”
- tankojps: “So many good players, it must be hard to choose. Hope they do well in the next match.”
- 10yu: “Hoping for a comeback in the next match. Supporting them!”
- Livaeal0: “Middle Eastern teams seem to be tough for Japan.”
- Pint0710: “Disappointing, but such times happen. Fight on in the next game.”
- sirokuro_selbin: “Switch focus to the next match. The fight where we cannot lose begins‼️”
- oda_vn: “Watching ‘giant-killing,’ but it’s actually tough.”
- news__umbrella: “There’s still one more game. The goal difference with other teams might be key. Today’s one goal could be significant.”
- nattsugissiri: “Completely outplayed. Didn’t feel like we could score at all.”
- tukakatus: “Unexpected defeat to Iraq. Thought we were okay.”
- ice00775555: “Disappointing, but looking forward to the next game.”
- phuk_uh: “Completely outplayed. Didn’t feel like we could score.”
- GlimmeringAura: “Though Iraq has skills, it was very unlucky for Japan.”
- AT2YZCHIkyILxx2: “Lost, but keep fighting.”
- takasumile: “Lost, but Iraq was strong. The upcoming matches will continue against well-researched opponents. Losing in the final tournament is the real end, so maybe this is good medicine?”
- kuisinbody: “Frustrating, but Iraq played well.”
- CryptoEggmen: “Stopped watching in the first half.”
- momotarotravel: “Lost this time, but it’ll be okay next time.”
- Obijiaku_: “The team needs to rise again.”
- XVNkhEoa3VXornt: “Knew it would be tough, but losing hurts.”
These reactions demonstrate a blend of disappointment, support, and resilience among fans. The loss against Iraq has stirred strong feelings, given Japan’s higher ranking and expectations. Fans remain hopeful for a comeback in subsequent matches, recognizing the challenge and potential for growth this defeat presents for the team.