As the game moved forward, an Uzbek attacker, Erkin, pushed the ball ahead and accelerated toward the right side of the penalty area, with Senji immediately closing him down from behind.
Senji refused to give him room to turn inside, matching his pace while Nagisa moved across from midfield to cover the space ahead of him.
Erkin tried to cut toward the center, but Senji stepped across his path, forcing him wider while Nagisa continued closing the passing lane toward the middle.
With the route toward goal disappearing, Erkin pushed the ball forward and tried to squeeze past, but Senji leaned into him once again and disrupted his balance. Both players crashed onto the grass as the ball rolled harmlessly away.
Senji quickly got back to his feet and pumped his fist toward the Japanese supporters.
The Japanese fans answered with a huge roar that vibrated through the stadium stands.
