SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) cruised to a 5-0 win over Afghanistan thanks to midfielder KIYOTAKE Hiroshi (Hannover 96)'s contribution to four of Japan's goals on 24 March at Saitama Stadium 2002 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Round 2.
Japan added their points to 19 with six wins and one tie in Group E as the side made big strides toward the final round by keeping the top spot, which allows them to advance unconditionally.
As Vahid HALILHODZIC said, "I'm considering to put together the team differently," he newly used a 4-4-2 formation. The Japan boss placed OKAZAKI Shinji (Leicester City Football Club) and KANAZAKI Mu (Kashima Antlers) as a striker role, Kiyotake right behind them, HARAGUCHI Genki (Hertha BSC Berlin) at right midfield, KASHIWAGI Yosuke (Urawa Reds) at left midfield and HASEBE Makoto (Eintracht Frankfurt) at the anchor positon.
And SAKAI Hiroki (Hannover 96), YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC), MORISHIGE Masato (F.C. Tokyo) and NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Internazionale Milano) were listed in defence along with goalkeeper HIGASHIGUCHI Masaaki (Gamba Osaka).....
EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
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10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] SAMURAI BLUE hammer Afghanistan – FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Round 2 Match 7
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