Match Report
The table read 1st (Japan, 24 pts) against 3rd (Kyrgyz Republic, 10 pts), 14 points apart. Kyrgyz Republic had been under-performing their position — 33rd on five-round form against 3rd in the table. Scoring rates set the scale: Japan 5.75 scored and 0.25 conceded per game, Kyrgyz Republic 2.38 and 1.5, with the league averaging 1.5.
Japan entered with five wins in a row. The last-five ledger: Japan 15/15, Kyrgyz Republic 4/15.
The venue was Suita City Football Stadium in Suita, with room for 39,694 spectators. Japan led 3-1 at the break, and the second half added 2 goals for the 5-1 full-time score.




