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Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah21 January 2019 at 11:00
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Japan

10
Referee: R. Irmatov

Match Events

Japan
Saudi Arabia
Kick Off
T. Tomiyasu

assist: G. Shibasaki

20′
Yoshinori Muto39′
Half Time
56′
Abdulaziz Al BishiYehya Al Shehri
T. MinaminoJ. Ito
77′
78′
Abdullah OtayfMohammed Al-Saiari
88′
Hattan BahebriAbdulrahman Ghareeb
R. DoanT. Shiotani
89′
Y. MutoK. Kitagawa
90+2′
Full Time

Match Statistics

2Shots on Goal1
1Shots off Goal8
3Total Shots9
0Blocked Shots0
0Shots insidebox0
0Shots outsidebox0
27Fouls13
4Corner Kicks6
0Offsides3
30%Ball Possession70%
1Yellow Cards2
0Red Cards0
1Goalkeeper Saves1
0Total passes0
0Passes accurate0
0Passes %0

Lineups

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Japan is 7.02, compared to 7.31 for Saudi Arabia. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Japan's highest-rated starter is T. Minamino (7.18), while Saudi Arabia's best-rated player is Mohammed Al Burayk (7.50).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Japan have contributed 4 goals and 3 assists this season, led by T. Minamino (2G). Saudi Arabia's starters account for 1 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by Ali Albulayhi (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

Japan deploy 5 defenders rated 7.03 on average, against Saudi Arabia's 4-man backline averaging 7.36. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.

Midfield Control

Japan field 3 midfielders averaging 6.84, versus Saudi Arabia's 5 rated 7.20. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.

Forward Threat

Japan start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.18, compared to 1 for Saudi Arabia averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.

Passing & Build-Up

Passing accuracy averages 64% for Japan and 52% for Saudi Arabia. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.

Discipline

Japan's starters have collected 2 yellow cards this season, compared to 3 for Saudi Arabia. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Age & Experience

The average age of Japan's starting XI is 32.9 (youngest: T. Tomiyasu (27), oldest: Y. Nagatomo (39)), while Saudi Arabia average 33.1 (youngest: Abdulaziz Al Bishi (31), oldest: Ali Albulayhi (36)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.

Squad Depth

Japan's starters average 2 league appearances each, versus 3 for Saudi Arabia. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.

Japan4-2-3-14-5-1Saudi Arabia
GKDEFMIDFWD
12Gonda22Yoshida5Nagatomo19Sakai16Tomiyasu8Haraguc.7Shibasa.6Endo21Doan13Muto9Minamino21Al-Owais13Shahrani23Fatil2Burayk4Albulay.16Mogahwi11Bahebri10Dawsari14Otayf20Bishi19Muwallad

Substitutes

Coach: H. Moriyasu

Substitutes

Coach: Pizzi

JapanPosition StrengthSaudi Arabia
7.02
Avg Rating
7.31
7.03Defender (5 v 4)7.36
1G 1A1G 0A
6.84Midfielder (3 v 5)7.20
1G 1A0G 1A
7.18Forward (2 v 1)
2G 1A0G 0A
Japan4-2-3-1
12GoalkeeperS. Gonda
22DefenderM. Yoshida
5DefenderY. Nagatomo
19DefenderH. Sakai
16DefenderT. Tomiyasu7.0
6DefenderW. Endo7.11G1A
8MidfielderG. Haraguchi
7MidfielderG. Shibasaki
21MidfielderR. Doan6.81G1A
13ForwardY. Muto
9ForwardT. Minamino7.22G1A
Saudi Arabia4-5-1
21GoalkeeperMohammed Al-Owais
13DefenderYasir Al Shahrani
23DefenderMohammed Al Fatil
2DefenderMohammed Al Burayk7.5
4DefenderAli Albulayhi7.21G
16MidfielderHussain Al Mogahwi
11MidfielderHattan Bahebri
10MidfielderSalem Al Dawsari7.21A
14MidfielderAbdullah Otayf
20MidfielderAbdulaziz Al Bishi
19ForwardFahad Al Muwallad

Match Summary

Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 1:0. The match was played in Asian Cup 2019. Goals were scored by T. Tomiyasu 20′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Japan had 30% possession while Saudi Arabia held 70%. Japan had 3 shots (2 on target) compared to 9 (1 on target) for Saudi Arabia. Japan made 3 substitutions, Saudi Arabia made 3.

Rivalry since 2011

Japan vs Saudi Arabia Head to Head Results

7 stretnutí
Japan
4
wins
Drawn
1
Saudi Arabia
2
wins
Total goals
14 · 2.0/match
Both scored
1/7 · 14%
Over 2.5
2/7 · 29%

Recent Form

Japan

LWWLWW

Saudi Arabia

DDWWLD
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026