AFC Asian Cup: Japan head coach Moriyasu tells his top-ranked side to improve or risk early end to title quest
- Japan in line for heavyweight last-16 South Korea contest after group stumble
- Record four-times champions cruised past Indonesia on Wednesday to seal second spot
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said Japan have a long way to go to reach the high level required to compete with their main rivals for the Asian Cup in Qatar.
Japan were far too strong for Indonesia on Wednesday, the final 3-1 scoreline flattering the underdogs, who stay in with a chance of qualifying for the last-16.
Doubts remain over the top-ranked team’s title credentials, however, after the pre-tournament favourites were outplayed by Iraq in a 2-1 defeat last Friday.
Japan were expected to win Group D, but go through as runners up and, consequently, could face a blockbuster last-16 meeting with South Korea.
Jordan could yet hold off the Koreans at the summit of Group E and provide Japan’s second-round opponents. Whoever the Japanese play next, a victory would almost certainly set up a quarter-final date with heavily-fancied Iran.
“Even though we won against Indonesia, there are many aspects can improve, both defensively and offensively,” Moriyasu said. “Our build up play from the back could have been better, and when we got the ball into midfield, we could have had more variety in our attacks.
“We conceded from a set-play in the last minute, and need to focus on keeping a clean sheet in the next game.
“We have to be determined in our play to win every match, any team that reaches the last-16 must be strong. But South Korea and Iran are two top teams in Asia, we will have to play at a very high level to compete with those two teams.”
Japan, conquerors of European heavyweights Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, had won 10 straight games before an off-colour display against Iraq, who beat Vietnam 3-2 on Wednesday to go through with a 100-per cent winning record.
Moriyasu praised his players’ renewed focus, professionalism, and aggression against an Indonesia side that set up camp on its own 18-yard line.
“We learned from our mistakes, the forwards were much better defending from the front, and we tried to play an intense game,” Moriyasu said. “This resulted in our early penalty, and from then we controlled the game.”
Ayase Ueda rifled home from 12 yards, and tapped in Japan’s second six minutes after half-time. Justin Hubner sliced into the roof of his own net towards the end, before fellow Indonesia defender Sandy Walsh’s shot squirmed through Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for a consolation.
“I get nervous for penalties, but enjoy taking them,” Ueda said. “The result came because we fixed what we needed to, how we play in the beginning of matches, and our defending from the front line. We were positive … and broke them down, despite their block in front of goal.”
Walsh’s late strike could prove crucial for Indonesia, with goal difference potentially set to determine if they go through among the best third-placed teams. They must sit tight and hope other results go their way on Thursday.
Head coach Shin Tae-yong, who felt his side suffered “several” poor refereeing decisions against Japan, will not gather the players to watch the matches that will determine their fate.
“I want to let them watch as comfortably as possible,” he said. “I prefer to let the players relax, and chill, without stress. To let them watch individually and in peace.”
