Japan edged into the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup as they won the battle of Asia’s giants, beating Saudi Arabia 1-0.

The Green Falcons flew out of the traps and wreaked havoc in the Samurai Blue defence early on. But with the men in blue standing stoutly at the back, they settled and went ahead midway through the first half when 20-year-old defender Takehiro Tomiyasu towered above the Saudi defence to nod in Gaku Shibasaki’s corner unopposed.

That seemed to demoralise Saudi, who after beginning with a game plan based on guile, resorted to hitting it long, hoping to unsettle a Japan side who adequately dealt with a flurry of long balls and crosses.

Chances came and went, captain Salem Al Dawsari had a glorious opportunity when a loose clearance fell at his feet, but he blazed wildly over.

Another one-goal margin of victory for Japan. What are the chances of another trophy in this competition being delivered?