Saitama: Japan will look to keep pace with Group B leaders Saudi Arabia on the Road to Russia when they host bottom-side Thailand at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.
Yuya Kubo and Yasuyuki Konno were both on the scoresheet as the Samurai Blue saw off the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Al Ain last week to remain level with Saudi Arabia on 13 points and open up a three-point gap to third-placed Australia. A third win on the bounce would leave Vahid Halilhodzic’s men in a strong position with three games remaining.
Thailand suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of Saudi Arabia on Thursday and defeat to Japan would extinguish the War Elephants’ faint hopes of reaching Russia. Captain Theerathon Bunmathan will miss the game after picking up his second booking of the Group B campaign against the Saudis.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com