19 January 2024 , 14:58
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Wataru Endo scored his first goal for Japan in three years but his strike proved in vain as his country were shocked by Iraq in the Asia Cup.
Ayman Hussein scored twice for the underdogs in the first-half to put them on course for an unlikely victory and by the time Liverpool's midfielder found the net in the 93rd minute it was too little too late for Japan, who are facing the prospect of an early exit.
Iraq are ranked 63rd in the world whilst Japan, who are four time winners of the tournament, are the highest ranked nation in Asia. Endo's side won their first game against Vietnam but their surprise loss means they must avoid defeat in their final group game.
Japan also boast former Red Takumi Minamino in their ranks, as well as Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo, but were unable to get the job done on Friday.
Endo underlined his desire to return to Merseyside with the trophy, which Japan have not won since 2011, but had mixed emotions about leaving his club midseason.
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“Of course I want to stay here but as a national team player it is important for me as I am captain. I am now focused on the national team and just doing my best,” he said. “I want to have good results at the Asian Cup, but that’ll mean I have to stay longer in Qatar. I want to come back with the Asian Cup title."
Any early exit for Japan could prove beneficial to Liverpool, who would be able to welcome Endo home early. They are already dealing without Mohamed Salah as well as the Japanese star, who was producing his best football since moving to Anfield before he left.
Iraq basked in their shock victoryJurgen Klopp previously joked: "I said, if I wish you good luck, it would be a lie! That's not what I did, obviously. From a personal point of view, I would be happy if they went out of the group stage but it's probably not possible, and then they can go and win it as well.
"Good luck, see you, come back healthy, that's pretty much the words. Now we have to deal with it and will deal with it."