Yoshida Saves Japan in Added Time

Mazya Yoshida scored from a corner in injury time to give Japan a narrow 1-0 home win over North Korea.

With North Korea down to 10 men, Japan pressed forward as time ran out. After a succession of close opportunities from corners, a short corner was crossed in that found Yoshida unmarked about six yards out, who finished with a powerful header.

Prior to the goal Japan had gone close a few times through Shinji Okazaki and Shinji Kagawa. Goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk kept the North Koreans in the match for much of the game, producing two splendid saves late on. Prior to the goal, Japan also saw a shot bounce off the crossbar.

Japan gets an important three points in group C, while North Korea loses an opportunity to gain a crucial point. Japan travels to Uzbekistan for its next game and the North Koreans host Tajikistan