Late Drama in Asian Cup Sees Japan Knocked Out, Wataru Endo Set to Return to Liverpool

In a stunning turn of events at the Asian Cup, favorites Japan were knocked out by Iran in a dramatic quarter-final clash. The match, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Japan, had Liverpool center-back target Ko Itakura involved in a decisive moment that led to Iran’s victory.

Japan took the lead in the match through midfielder Hidemasa Morita, but Iran quickly equalized in the second half, setting the stage for a tense finale. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, a VAR-reviewed penalty was awarded to Iran after a foul by Ko Itakura on Hossein Kanaani. Former Brighton attacking midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh converted the penalty, securing Iran’s place in the semi-finals.

For Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, who captained Japan and played every minute of all five games in the tournament, the defeat means an early exit. However, it also presents a positive development for Liverpool, as Endo will now rejoin the squad at the AXA Training Centre and could be back in contention for the Premier League clash against Burnley on February 10.

During Endo’s absence, Alexis Mac Allister has performed well in the No. 6 role, and with the return of Thiago and a potential comeback for Mohamed Salah, there will be increased competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield. 

Despite the disappointment for Endo and Japan, Liverpool fans can look forward to the strengthened squad options as they continue their Premier League campaign.