China loses to Japan in World Cup qualifier (updated)

XIAMEN, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- China conceded three headers and lost to Japan 3-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday.

In the first leg clash between the two teams in September, the Japanese team thrashed China 7-0.

The Chinese side started the match with high-quality defending, until the 39th minute, when Koki Ogawa headed home in a corner cross.

In the stoppage time of the first hal