Junya Ito will return to Racing Genk with a big smile. He keeps Japan in the running for the World Cup with 2 goals. Canada also has a chance. Thanks to Cyle Larin, who was a fixture at Zulte Waregem last season.
Oman – Japan 0-1
In the Asian preliminary round, Japan has won 2 times by the smallest difference: 1-0 against Vietnam and 1-0 against Oman. Every time Junya Ito scored the goal.
Yesterday against Oman he did that after a “Belgian combination”. In the 80th minute, Ito only had to tap in Union attacker Mitoma’s cross.
In the standings, Japan is now in 2nd place, Saudi Arabia leads. The top 2 qualify directly for the World Cup in Qatar.
Canada – Mexico 2-1
In North America, Cyle Larin turned out to be a great hero of Team Canada. The former Zulte Waregem attacker, now Besiktas, scored both goals against Mexico (2-1). Hector Herrera’s connecting goal came too late.
Larin was replaced twenty minutes before time for Lille striker Jonathan David (ex-AA Gent). Tajon Buchanan, who is going to Club Brugge in January, was on the field throughout the match.
Canada leads North America with 16 points from eight games, the United States follows with 15. Mexico has 14, as does Panama. Three countries qualify directly for the World Cup.
In Edmonton, tons of snow had fallen before the match. Ideal for some snow fun after the win.
Netherlands – Norway 2-0
Back to Europe, the Norwegian football players have to make a cross about the World Cup. They flew out yesterday in the last instance after a defeat in the Netherlands.
“This was the chance”, Genk player Kristian Thorstvedt grumbled. “We perform well, but finish 3rd in our group. That hurts.”
“But for our group of players this is just the beginning”, he patted himself on the chest.
