doha – Japan beat Bahrain 3-1 here on Wednesday to advance to the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, while Iran defeated Syria 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Goals from Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo and Ayyo Ueda helped coach Hajime Moriyasu’s team outscore Bahrain, with few chances other than Ueda’s own goal from a scramble on the goal line.
Japan took the lead in the 31st minute when Seiya Makuma’s 25-yard shot hit the post and deflected to Doan, who scored inside the box.
Japan increased their lead to two points just four minutes into the second half. Kubo stole the ball in front of the Bahrain box and passed it to Ueda. Haza Ali attempted to tackle the striker, but only directed the ball to Kubo, who deflected it past goalkeeper Lutfalla.
Bahrain had few chances to threaten Japan’s goal, but Ueda and Suzuki made contact in the 64th minute when the ball they tried to head together went off the goal line, causing an own goal.
Kaoru Mitoma came on as a substitute along with Takumi Minamino four minutes later and made his debut against Doha.
In the 72nd minute, Ueda made up for his earlier mistake and fired a shot past Lutfallah, who sprinted into the Bahrain area.
In another Round of 16 encounter, Iran outscored Syria, but Omar Kulibin equalized from a penalty, and Mehdi Taremi received a second yellow card in the second half, resulting in a penalty shootout.
Iran’s first chance came in the 8th minute when Alireza Jahanbakhsh released Sardar Azmoun inside the box, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ahmed Madanie and the ensuing half-volley was ruled out for offside.
Taremi’s penalty gave Iran a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.
Pablo Sabbag came on as a substitute after being brought down by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, but saved Syria. In the 64th minute, Kulibin stepped up and converted a penalty.
Taremi was sent off after receiving a second caution in stoppage time, and Iran struggled through extra time, but ultimately won on penalties.