Japan bag Asian Cup last 16 ticket

By Can Erozden

Record holders Japan qualified for the 2023 Asian Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Called the Samurai Blue, Japan beat Indonesia 3-1 in Group D's final matchday to be the runners-up after already-qualified Iraq.

Japanese forward Ayase Ueda scored double against Indonesia in Qatar's Doha.

Indonesian defender Justin Hubner put the ball in his own net in the 88th minute before his teammate Sandy Walsh scored a consolation goal for Indonesia.

Second-place Japan have six points while group winners Iraq have nine after they beat Vietnam 3-2 on Wednesday.

Third-place Indonesia have three points, but they have still a chance to be in the last 16.

Vietnam have been eliminated from the tournament after losing all their three matches.

The top two teams in each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage with the four best third-placed teams also joining them.