Intensity key for Japan as Oman eye win
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, it will be the same against Oman. We know that every game will be difficult but the key is to adapt,” said Moriyasu.
“The players must be focused and, more importantly, able to change our style if there is a need.” Oman, said Moriyasu, impressed him in their match against Uzbekistan.
“Oman have very quick counterattacks 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.
Oman, said head coach Verbeek, will face one of Asia’s biggest teams with respect but no fear as they want an extended AFC Asian Cup campaign.
“We won’t fear them as we need the points after being so unlucky against Uzbekistan,” said Verbeek.