Japan Thrash Myanmar After Protests On Off Pitch
Zeeshan Mehtab Published May 28, 2021 | 08:53 PM
Japan thrashed Myanmar 10-0, on Friday to cruise into the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying, after protesters had raised anti-junta three-fingered salutes on and off the pitch
Chiba, Japan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2021 ) :Japan thrashed Myanmar 10-0, on Friday to cruise into the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying, after protesters had raised anti-junta three-fingered salutes on and off the pitch.
Around 70 protesters gathered before kick-off outside the stadium in Chiba, near Tokyo, carrying pictures of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and waving flags from the country's 1988 uprising.
"This team doesn't represent the Myanmar people," a female protester, who gave her name only as "A" told AFP outside the stadium before the game.
She said that this wasn't a protest against the players and We only want them to stop cooperating with the military junta." Five goals for Yuya Osako helped Japan clinch top spot in Group F with two games to spare, against a makeshift Myanmar side missing several regulars who boycotted the qualifiers in protest at the coup.
Goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet opted out of the trip, urged the players who traveled to raise the three-finger salute.
The national anthems passed off without incident, but tv cameras captured a Myanmar player wearing a pink bib making the gesture.
Myanmar manager Antoine Hey said he did not see the incident, but was aware of the protest outside the stadium.
"I don't know the motivation, what the meaning was of this gathering," he said.
"We are concentrated on football, and we concentrated on our job, our team, our players, and we are not taking any political stand." The game was played behind closed doors but the protesters could clearly be heard inside the stadium before kick-off.
Their permission to be ended before the game began another protester, who gave his name as Win, said Myanmar's side was "not a real team".
"They don't want to play, but maybe they have a lot of pressure," he said.
Japan's Takumi Minamino opened the scoring in the eighth minute, before Osako helped himself to a hat-trick before the interval.
Two more goals for Osako and strikes from Hidemasa Morita, Minamino, Daichi Kamada and Ko Itakura rounded off an easy night for the Group F hosts.
Japan has won six games, with 37 goals scored and none conceded.
"Whoever you play against, winning well, not conceding any goals and stopping your opponents from doing what they want to isn't easy, regardless of the difference in quality," said manager Hajime Moriyasu.
All of the remaining games in Group F are being played in Japan. Japan round out their campaign against Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Myanmar will also face Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as they look to claim second place in the group.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Sports
-
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
5 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
6 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
9 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
9 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
9 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
8 hours ago
-
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
9 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
8 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
8 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
8 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
10 hours ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
11 hours ago