Ivica Osim’s anger prior to Japan’s bad performance against Qatar had motivated the team to display better performance in this match. The former Asian cup champion dominated the whole game and won confidently 3 – 1 against the helpless UAE. UAE who had lost the first match against Vietnam needed to win this match or else became the first nation to lose a chance to top the table. UAE hinted that the team would take this do or die match seriously when Ismail Matar fired a powerful drive in the early minutes.

Japan’s 1998 world cup goalkeeper, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, clutched the ball from Matar to fend on UAE sole chance in the first half. Japan scored its first goal shortly afterward with the cooperative plays between its stars, Yasuhiko Endo, Shunsuke Nakamura and Takahara. Endo whipped the corner low to Nakamura who fired a cross from tight position which Takahara met with his header to defeat UAE’s goalkeeper, Nasser.

Nasser was again left helpless when Takahara scored his second goals in this game by intercepting Akira Kaji’s cross. With these goals, Takahara secured his name in the top scorers table with three goals from two matches. Takahara could have scored hattrick if he was given the chance to take the penalty in the 40^th minute. The penalty was a controversial one since according to the referee it was awarded because United Arab Emirates goalkeeper, Nasser, brought down Endo in the penalty box.

Judging from the replay, Endo was indeed brought down but Endo managed to fire a cross shortly before he was brought down. Such attempt could be considered as no foul since Endo was not at disadvantage when he fired the cross. Shunsuke Nakamura managed to put the ball to the back of UAE’s net with a hard penalty shot.

UAE attempt to level the score and save its life could be considered as gone when Baheer Saheed was sent off after he brought down Keita Suzuki in a fierce tackle far from UAE penalty box. This was again a controversial decision from the referee since the foul looked unintentional and was not committed at dangerous situation. UAE practically stood no chance although the team managed to score an equalizer when Saeed Alkas performed a solo run in the 66^th minute. Japan showed a disappointing play after that goal by just passing the ball to each other while waiting for the 90^th minute. Such conduct of course was not expected by the former Asian cup champion!. UAE v Japan ended 3-1.