Japan survive Vietnam scare to start Asian Cup football title bid

Vietnam's Nguyen Filip saves from Japan's Hidemasa Morita during their AFC Asian Cup Group D match at the Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Sunday, January 14, 2024. - Reuters photo

DOHA (AFP): Asian Cup favourites Japan survived a scare in their tournament opener on Sunday against Vietnam before winning 4-2 in a roller-coaster clash.

Hajime Moriyasu's side are looking for a record-extending fifth Asian title and looked set for a comfortable start to their campaign in Qatar when Takumi Minamino gave them an 11th-minute lead.