Favourites Japan are back in action on Friday as they take on Iraq in Group D of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
The record four-time winners kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Vietnam on Matchday 1, but the triumph didn't arrive without concern as they were forced to come from behind. A brace from former Liverpool playmaker Takumi Minamino helped Japan over the line.
Iraq, who won this competition in 2007 and headed into the tournament in good form, also tasted success on Matchday 1 as they overcame Indonesia 3-1. That leaves the two sides at the top of Group D with three points apiece, with their upcoming duel set to decide who tops the group.
Here's 90min's preview of Japan's Group D clash against Iraq on Friday.
What time does Iraq vs Japan kick-off?
- Location: Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
- Stadium: Education City Stadium
- Date: Friday 19 January
- Kick-off Time: 11:30 GMT / 06:30 ET / 03:30 PT
- Referee: TBC
- VAR: TBC
Iraq vs Japan H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Iraq: 0 wins
- Japan: 4 wins
- Draws: 1
- Last meeting: Iraq 1-1 Japan (13 June 2017) - World Cup qualifier
Current Form (all competitions)
- Iraq: WWWLW
- Japan: WWWWW
How to watch Iraq vs Japan on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | N/A |
United States | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo |
Canada | N/A |
Iraq team news
Iraq have no injury concerns and Jesus Casas could name an unchanged starting lineup from the 3-1 victory over Indonesia.
Iraq predicted lineup vs Japan
Iraq predicted lineup vs Japan (4-2-3-1): Hasan; Ali, Natiq, Adnan, Doski; Rashid, Al-Ammari; Bayesh, Iqbal, Jasim; Ali.
Japan team news
Takefusa Kubo has been nursing a muscle injury but was named on the bench for Japan's opener against Vietnam. The Real Sociedad star should be in contention to start on Friday.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was absent on Matchday 1 but the Arsenal defender is another who could come into the starting XI. Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma isn't expected to feature until the tournament's latter stages.
Hiroki Ito is a doubt after picking up a muscle injury last time out.
Japan predicted lineup vs Iraq
Japan predicted lineup vs Iraq (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Suguwara, Itakura, Taniguchi, Tomiyasu; Endo, Morita; Kubo, Minamino, Nakamura; Ueda.
Iraq vs Japan score prediction
While Japan are superior, this is undoubtedly their toughest group fixture. Iraq are full of confidence despite tasting defeat against South Korea just before the tournament and have a good record in this competition.
Both sides are poised for deep runs and there will be some concerns over the manner of Japan's victory on Matchday 1. Many would argue Iraq looked more assured.
Nevertheless, it's hard to bet against the pre-tournament favourites on Friday. Rust on Matchday 1 is expected and they should start to find their groove as the campaign progresses. While Friday's bout will be tight, the four-time winners should get over the line.
