Ko Itakura and the Japan national team got off to the perfect start in the Asian Cup. The ‘Samurai Blue’ won their opening game against Vietnam 4-2.
Borussia’s centre-back played the full 90 minutes alongside Shogo Taniguchi at the heart of Japan’s defence as they won against Vietnam. Japan took the lead in just the eleventh minute through Takumi Minamino. Vietnam equalised five minutes later, before then turning the game around and taking the lead in the 33rd minute. Two quick-fire goals from Minamino (45’) and Keito Takumi (45+4’) just before half time put Japan back ahead. Ayase Ueda put the result beyond any doubt for the ‘Samurai Blue’ in the closing stages (85’).
The tournament continues for Itakura and Japan this Friday (12:30 CET) with the second group game against Iraq. Japan then round out the group with a game against Indonesia on Wednesday, 24th January (12:30 CET). The group stage is made up of six groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group, as well as the four best third-placed teams then go into the round of 16. The final will take place on 10th February (16:00 CET), as in 2019 there is no third-place play-off.
