Soccer-Japan seek quarter-final spot after 'Agony of Doha'


FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Ecuador v Japan - Merkur Spielarena, Dusseldorf, Germany - September 27, 2022 Japan players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo

(Reuters) - Japan will remember with anguish a World Cup qualifier 28 years ago in Qatar when they were within seconds of reaching their first finals only to concede a stoppage-time equaliser to Iraq which sent arch-rivals South Korea through instead.

That crushing moment is known as the "Agony of Doha" but while Japan's biggest soccer setback may never be forgotten, the Samurai Blue are determined to reverse their fortunes and make Qatar the stage for their best World Cup performance.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

   

Next In Football

Soccer-Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid gets higher score than U.S., Canada and Mexico
Soccer-Hurzeler urges Albion to improve after disappointing 1-1 draw with Southampton
Soccer-Herdman resigns as Toronto FC coach following Canada drone scandal
Soccer-Brighton climb to second after 1-1 stalemate with Southampton
Soccer-Minor who racially abused Vinicius Jr fined and banned from stadium
Soccer-Struggling Leicester City name Van Nistelrooy as manager
Soccer-Liverpool dealt Konate injury blow
Soccer-Conte happy with Napoli progress but keeping his feet on the ground
KL Rovers aim to give mighty JDT a good fight
Kinoshi seeking Giant lift

Others Also Read