Wataru Endo was on target for Japan earlier today but couldn’t rescue his side from a 2-1 defeat to Iraq at the Asian Cup.
The result leaves Japan second in Group D on three points, behind Iraq on six points, after two games with Indonesia about to kick off against Vietnam.
Our No. 3 registered an assist in their first group game with ex-Red Takumi Minamino netting a brace as Samurai Blue defeated Vietnam 4-2.
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Japan couldn’t make it two from two today, however, with a first half brace from Aymen Hussain meaning Endo’s injury time header was nothing more than a consolation.
The 30-year-old may only be a small figure but he leaped well to power a head home after he was left unmarked from a corner kick.
It’s looking like Japan will now need to win their final group game to progress through to the knockout stages – otherwise the former Stuttgart man will be returning back to Merseyside earlier than expected!
Check out his goal below via @CBSSportsGolazo on X:
Wataru Endō gives Japan a lifeline!
Can they score one more? 🍿 pic.twitter.com/adsQmBsafi
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 19, 2024