Japan and European-based players mobilized but suffer 0-1 shock defeat at home to Oman 'Oman Shock'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Japanese national soccer team suffered a shocking defeat at home against the Middle Eastern dark horse Oman.

Led by coach Moriyasu Hajime, Japan lost 0-1 to Oman after conceding the winning goal to Isam Al-Sabhi in the 43rd minute of the second half during the first match of Group B in the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian final qualifiers held at the Suita City Soccer Stadium in Osaka, Japan on the 2nd.

Challenging for their seventh consecutive World Cup finals appearance, Moriyasu's team faced a thorny path after being caught off guard by Oman, the weakest team in the group, in their home opener. Looking at the FIFA rankings alone, Japan was ranked 24th, while Oman was 79th. Japan now faces the burden of playing against the 'formidable' China in their next match.

As the game did not go well, coach Moriyasu brought in a number of promising young attackers such as Doan Ritsu (Eindhoven), Kubo Takefusa (Mallorca), and Furuhashi Kyogo (Celtic), but it was to no avail.

Ultimately, Oman scored the winning goal. When Salah Al-Yahyai delivered a low cross from the right, Isam Al-Sabhi, rushing into the penalty area, finished with a right-footed non-stop shot that only changed direction, securing the winning goal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.