Japan Defeats China 3-1 in World Cup Qualifier

Japan moved closer to qualifying for their eighth consecutive World Cup by defeating China 3-1, maintaining a firm grip on Group C with 16 points from six games. Koki Ogawa scored twice, including a decisive header from a corner, while Ko Itakura added another before half-time. Despite a brief resurgence from China, who scored early in the second half through Lin Liangming, Ogawa restored Japan's two-goal lead shortly after. Meanwhile, Indonesia achieved a historic 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, with Marselino Ferdinan netting both goals, marking Indonesia's first win in the third round of qualifiers since 1938. All four teams, including Saudi Arabia and Australia, remain level with six points, intensifying the competition as the qualifiers progress. Japan's upcoming matches against Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in March are crucial for securing their World Cup spot.