Japan were equal parts impressive and insipid in a topsy-turvy performance that nonetheless sees them lead Group F after the opening round of Asian Cup games.
There was little to complain about when scrutinising Genki Haraguchi’s display, however.
The versatile wide forward jolted a dazed Japan into life as Yuya Osako equalised from his sumptuous through ball soon after Turkmenistan had taken a shock lead.
But that was not all to his run-out…
30-SECOND REPORT
The Japan’s side last competitive kick before Wednesday was an agonising one, having let a 2-0 lead slip to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
Haraguchi was one of the standout performers on that day, having briefly sent the Samurai Blue into ecstasy with the second, and his play continues to put smiles on faces in the UAE.
His arrowed through ball from the left flank was the all-important one as an Osako shimmy later and Japan were level at 1-1.
It was the highlight of his day, but he proved Japan’s only consistent outlet when cutting in.
GOT RIGHT
Creativity
Each nation has now played once and only one other player – Saudi Arabia midfielder Housain Al Mogahwi – has created as many chances as Haraguchi on five.
Having played a key role for the first, he also sparked the move that led to Osako’s immediate second.
More remarkable still that despite his relative risk-taking in attack, the Hannover winger only misplaced four passes from 52 as Uzbekistan could not get to grips with his purposeful play.
Got wrong
Hitting the target
He didn’t quite pick up the bug from the wasteful Osako, but Haraguchi could have done better with the chances that came his own way.
Two headers, from which the 27-year-old was largely untroubled by Turkmen defenders, went astray in either half as he sought his second-ever goal at a tournament.
VERDICT
Rating: 8/10
Stronger teams will fancy tightening the leash around Haraguchi – but this was a good sign of what’s to come from a team that has two exciting wingers.
Ritsu Doan, only 20, is a genuine menace on the other side of the field and the sight of those two in-stepping their way through defences could be one of the sights of the tournament.
Japan are a touch frailer in attack through the middle. Their fate could rest on performances like Haraguchi delivered on Wednesday.
