Japan Thrash China 7-0 In World Cup Qualifying

Mitoma, Endo On Target As Japan Dominate At Home

Japan moved a step closer to securing a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a crushing 7-0 victory over China in their World Cup qualifier in Saitama on Thursday. The win leaves Japan top of Group B with 21 points from seven games, six points ahead of second-placed Australia, who have a game in hand.

Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo were on target for Japan, who dominated the match from start to finish. The victory was Japan's biggest ever win in a World Cup qualifier.

Japan's dominance was evident from the outset, with the hosts taking the lead after just nine minutes through Mitoma. The winger cut inside from the left and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Endo doubled Japan's lead in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from a corner. The midfielder was left unmarked at the far post and made no mistake with his finish.

Japan continued to create chances and should have extended their lead before half-time. However, China goalkeeper Yan Junling made a number of fine saves to keep the score down.

Japan finally put the game to bed in the second half with a flurry of goals. Takumi Minamino made it 3-0 in the 55th minute, before Junya Ito added a fourth 10 minutes later.

Substitute Kyogo Furuhashi made it 5-0 in the 80th minute, before Mitoma grabbed his second of the night two minutes later. Hiroki Sakai completed the scoring in the 89th minute.

The win was a timely boost for Japan, who had been held to a goalless draw by Australia in their previous qualifier. The victory also avenged Japan's 2-0 defeat to China in the reverse fixture in October.

Japan will now face Saudi Arabia in their next qualifier on March 24. A win in that match would all but secure their place at the World Cup.