As he has already displayed throughout his short Liverpool career, Wataru Endo shone for Japan at the Asian Cup today, in what was at times a tough contest against a Bahrain side whose physical presence threatened to make things difficult.
The Reds’ No.3 was effective in orchestrating Japan attacks as much as he was equally effective in helping to shield their defence in the holding midfield role that he had made his own at club level before his departure for international duty.
The stats certainly backed up the Samurai Blue captain’s player-of-the-match performance: a 90% passing accuracy (65/72 passes), combined with winning three of his four aerial duels contested, as well as nine successful ball recoveries and two interceptions to help ensure victory for Hajime Moriyasu’s charges.
Having lost 3-1 to Qatar in the 2019 final, Japan are now one step closer in their quest to make amends for their previous disappointment and to become champions of Asia for a record fifth time.
There was brief moment when Bahrain pulled a goal back that Japan’s feathers appeared ruffled and Endo came under the cosh slightly. However, he overcame that, plus a penalty appeal for an apparent foul he committed in the box that was swiftly checked and cleared by VAR.
After 64 minutes, Bahrain’s ultimately consolatory goal was conceded in rather comedic fashion by Japan, with their goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failing to punch a cross away sufficiently enough before being credited with an own goal for his troubles.
Shortly after Bahrain reduced the arrears, former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, alongside Brighton’s Karou Mitoma, was brought on and their introductions provided fresh impetus for Japan, who restored their two-goal advantage with 18 minutes remaining through Ayase Ueda.
Ritsu Doan and Takefusa Kubo had earlier scored for Japan, whose victory ensures they will progress to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of Wednesday’s other round-of-16 tie between Iran and Syria.
Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, they will have to wait a little while longer to see their new cult hero in a red shirt again.
