‘Turkmenistan test an eye-opener for Japan’
abu dhabi — Their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 opener against Turkmenistan was an eye opener and Japan, says defender Yuto Nagatomo, are now better placed to deal with the forthcoming challenges.
Four-time champions Japan had to come from behind to defeat Turkmenistan 3-2 in their Group F tie on Wednesday and Nagatomo said it was a lesson well learnt, according to an AFC website report.
“We struggled against Turkmenistan but it was very important for us players to know what the AFC Asian Cup is,” said the 32-year-old, who plays for Turkish club Galatasaray.
“We will use the experience gained against Turkmenistan to good effect. We have had three days to prepare for our next match against Oman (on Sunday) and we are confident of a better showing.”
Nagatomo said Japan had watched Oman’s 2-1 defeat to Uzbekistan and know that it will be another tough encounter at the Zayed Sports City Stadium. abu dhabi — Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has challenged his players to produce the same intensity they showed in the second half of their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 opener against Turkmenistan when they face a highly promising Oman in Group F on Sunday.
Four-time AFC Asian Cup champions Japan raised their game after trailing 1-0 against Turkmenistan at the break but some tweaking by Moriyasu saw a vastly different side in the second half as the Samurai Blue eventually won 3-2.
Oman, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uzbekistan in their opener, need a win to keep their hopes alive and head coach Pim Verbeek promised that his team will give it their all at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
“We faced some difficulty against Turkmenistan and tomorrow (Sunday), it will be the same against Oman. We know that every game will be difficult but the key is to adapt,” said Moriyasu.
“We will have a gameplan and I would like it if we dominate but if we can’t, we must be able to change our approach. It is important that we play with the intention of taking the game to Oman.
“The players must be focused and, more importantly, able to change our style if there is a need.”
Moriyasu, said Oman impressed him in their match against Uzbekistan. “Oman have very quick counter-attacks but can also hold the ball well too. We have to be mindful of that as they can hit us if we let our guard down.
“However, we have prepared well and I hope the players express themselves on the pitch. Ideally, I would like to seal a place in the next stage tomorrow but we must be patient, not pressure ourselves,” added Moriyasu.
Oman’s head coach Verbeek said Courtesy AFC website
his side was ready to face one of Asia’s biggest teams with respect but no fear as they want an extended AFC Asian Cup campaign.
“We are looking forward to playing probably one of the best teams in Asia. They are a big team, experienced, played in the World Cup six months ago and now have brought in new talent. We are excited to be playing them.”