Uzbekistan U23 vs Japan U23 Asian Games Preview
Uzbekistan and Japan square off in the semi-final of the Asian Games football event, with a place in the final up for grabs.
Both teams have had an impressive campaign so far, but the Samurai Blue will be counting on their recent record in this fixture and should have the edge on Wednesday.
Key Stats
- Japan U23 have won all four matches in the Asian Games.
- Japan U23 have won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Uzbekistan U23 lost two matches against Japan U23.
Little to Separate
Uzbekistan and Japan have picked up two wins each from four previous matches. The Samurai Blue’s wins have come in the last two meetings, including a 2-0 victory in a friendly back in 2025.
Uzbekistan Clicking at the Asian Games
Uzbekistan are in the semi-finals of the Asian Games after claiming a 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their previous fixture. Dilshod Murtozoev gave them an early lead while Azizbek Tulkunbekov and Firdavs Abdurakhmonov were also on target after the break.
The White Wolves have enjoyed a solid Asian Games campaign so far, winning all four of their matches in the competition. Among their results is a 5-1 victory over the Philippines in their opening fixture.
Manager Ravshan Khaydarov will be pleased to see his team clicking at the right time, after struggling in the build-up to the tournament. They suffered four defeats in five matches prior to the start of the Asian Games.
Japan Almost Unstoppable
A 1-0 quarter-final victory over North Korea was enough to earn Japan a place in the last four of the Asian Games. Brian Nwadik struck the only goal late in the first half, and they were able to hold on for the win.
That was arguably the hardest game at the tournament for Japan, who had breezed through all their matches. Among the results for Go Oiwa's team is a 7-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their second group stage fixture.
Japan’s fine showing is not limited to only the Asian Games, as they have looked almost unstoppable in recent months. The Samurai Blue are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up nine wins in this run.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Uzbekistan (4-3-1-2): Samandar Muratbaev; Kuvonchbek Khushvakov, Giyosdzhon Rizakulov, Saidkhon Khamidov, Dilshod Murtozoev; Sardorbek Bakhromov, Azizbek Tulkunbekov, Ruziboy Fayzullaev; Firdavs Abdurakhmonov; Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev, Azizbek Tulkunbekov.
Abdurakhmonov could earn a start for Uzbekistan after coming off the bench to score in the semi-final. Tulkunbekov should continue in attack while Giyosdzhon Rizakulov is set to feature at the back once again.
Japan (4-2-3-1): Rui Araki; Rei Umekii, Rion Ichihara, Tariqkani Okabe, Mihiro Sato; Yotaro Nakajima, Yudai Shimamoto; Hitsatsugu Ishii, Yumeki Yokoyama, Hitsatsugu Ishii; Brian Nwadik.
Nwadik could be given the nod in attack once again after scoring Japan’s only goal in the semi-final. Yotaro Nakajima should feature in midfield while Rion Ichihara and Tariqkani Okabe are set to continue their partnership in central defence.