Al Rayyan [Qatar], December 2 (ANI): Spain struck early by way of Alvaro Morata to take a 1-0 lead in opposition to Japan on the finish of the primary half in a Group E match on the Khalifa International Stadium.
Morata discovered the again of the online for Spain within the twelfth minute after he went airborne to move the ball off a cross from right-back Cesar Azpilicueta to place the Spanish crew forward.
The 2010 World Cup winners dominated the primary half as they loved an awesome possession of the ball and stored issues tight with immaculate passes and skilful play within the midfield.
Japan was below strain from the phrase go as they hardly discovered possession and couldn’t breach the Spanish defence within the restricted alternatives that got here their means.
Spain took lead within the twelfth minute and from thereon, Japan chased so much within the recreation as a result of it was all Spain in the previous few minutes. The 2010 winners, then again, didn’t look like threatening sufficient as a result of they’d all of the endurance on the earth to maintain the possession themselves.
Japan tried to interrupt the shackle by way of a counter within the twenty seventh minute however Daichi Kamada’s run was early solely to be flagged offside. The Japanese additionally made a problem on Gavi that noticed the play getting stopped for some time.
The Asian crew tried to search out an equalizer within the dying minutes of the half however had been unable to get by way of the Spanish defence line.
Spain was the dominant facet as they shared extra possession and had been capable of take a 1-0 lead on the finish of the primary half.
Japan lead Group E with six factors below their belt whereas Spain are positioned second within the factors desk.
Both groups will look to go for the kill within the second half as a win will guarantee a knockout place. (ANI)