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Iran vs Japan

Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain28 January 2019 at 14:00
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Iran

03
Away

Japan

Referee: C. Beath

Match Events

Iran
Japan
Kick Off
Vahid Amiri24′
Omid Ebrahimi44′
Half Time
46′Hiroki Sakai
56′
Y. Ōsako

assist: T. Minamino

V. AmiriK. Ansarifard
58′
60′
W. EndoT. Shiotani
67′
Y. Ōsako

Penalty

A. DejagahS. Ghoddos
71′
A. JahanbakhshM. Torabi
71′
73′
H. SakaiS. Muroya
89′
R. DoanJ. Ito
Sardar Azmoun90′
90′Yuto Nagatomo
90+1′
G. Haraguchi

assist: T. Minamino

Full Time

Match Statistics

2Shots on Goal4
6Shots off Goal2
8Total Shots6
0Blocked Shots0
0Shots insidebox0
0Shots outsidebox0
17Fouls18
5Corner Kicks1
0Offsides1
46%Ball Possession54%
3Yellow Cards2
0Red Cards0
1Goalkeeper Saves2
0Total passes0
0Passes accurate0
0Passes %0

Lineups

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Iran is 6.98, compared to 7.02 for Japan. 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. Iran's highest-rated starter is M. Mohammadi (7.33), while Japan's best-rated player is T. Minamino (7.18).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Iran have contributed 4 goals and 5 assists this season, led by S. Azmoun (2G). Japan's starters account for 4 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by T. Minamino (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

Iran deploy 4 defenders rated 7.07 on average, against Japan's 5-man backline averaging 7.03. 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

Iran field 4 midfielders averaging 6.64, versus Japan's 3 rated 6.84. 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

Iran start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.23, compared to 2 for Japan averaging 7.18. 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 46% for Iran and 64% for Japan. 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

Iran's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 2 for Japan. 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 Iran's starting XI is 33.6 (youngest: S. Azmoun (30), oldest: O. Ebrahimi (38)), while Japan average 32.9 (youngest: T. Tomiyasu (27), oldest: Y. Nagatomo (39)). 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

Iran's starters average 5 league appearances each, versus 2 for Japan. 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.

Iran4-2-3-14-4-2Japan
GKDEFMIDFWD
1Beiranv.3Hajsafi8Pourali.23Rezaeian13Kanani5Mohamma.21Dejagah9Ebrahimi11Amiri20Azmoun18Jahanba.12Gonda22Yoshida5Nagatomo19Sakai16Tomiyasu8Haraguc.7Shibasa.6Endo21Doan15Ōsako9Minamino

Substitutes

Coach: Carlos Queiroz

Substitutes

Coach: H. Moriyasu

IranPosition StrengthJapan
6.98
Avg Rating
7.02
6.92Goalkeeper (1 v 1)
0G 0A0G 0A
7.07Defender (4 v 5)7.03
0G 1A1G 1A
6.64Midfielder (4 v 3)6.84
0G 0A1G 1A
7.23Forward (2 v 2)7.18
4G 4A2G 1A
Iran4-2-3-1
1GoalkeeperA. Beiranvand6.9
3DefenderE. Hajsafi7.1
8DefenderM. Pouraliganji
23DefenderR. Rezaeian6.8
5DefenderM. Mohammadi7.31A
13MidfielderM. Kanani6.6
21MidfielderA. Dejagah
9MidfielderO. Ebrahimi6.7
11MidfielderV. Amiri
20ForwardS. Azmoun7.22G3A
18ForwardA. Jahanbakhsh7.22G1A
Japan4-4-2
12GoalkeeperS. Gonda
22DefenderM. Yoshida
5DefenderY. Nagatomo
19DefenderH. Sakai
16DefenderT. Tomiyasu7.0
6DefenderW. Endo7.11G1A
8MidfielderG. Haraguchi
7MidfielderG. Shibasaki
21MidfielderR. Doan6.81G1A
15ForwardY. Ōsako
9ForwardT. Minamino7.22G1A

Match Summary

Japan defeated Iran 3:0. The match was played in Asian Cup 2019. Goals were scored by Y. Ōsako 56′, Y. Ōsako 67′ (pen.), G. Haraguchi 90′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Iran had 46% possession while Japan held 54%. Iran had 8 shots (2 on target) compared to 6 (4 on target) for Japan. Iran made 3 substitutions, Japan made 3.

Rivalry since 2024

Iran vs Japan Head to Head Results

1 stretnutí
Iran
1
wins
Drawn
0
Japan
0
wins
Total goals
3 · 3.0/match
Both scored
1/1 · 100%
Over 2.5
1/1 · 100%

Recent Meetings

Highest-scoring game: 21 v 2024All 1 meetings

Recent Form

Iran

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Japan

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

API data: 11 May 2026