Revenge mission for Blue Samurai

Singapore loom

SINGAPORE, Nov 11, (AFP): Japan coach Vahid Halihodzic said his players will be on a mission for revenge when they face Singapore in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The Lions spoiled Halihodzic’s first competitive match as the Blue Samurai coach five months ago when they repelled everything that came their way to earn a surprise 0-0 draw at Saitama Stadium.

Japan have since found their feet in Group E, reeling off three consecutive wins in which they have scored 12 goals without conceding. However, Halihodzic is determined to see his side banish the memories of their first meeting when they face the Southeast Asian side at Singapore’s National Stadium.

“We have a bad memory of the result of our first game against Singapore so we want revenge. Of course, Singapore have a team that will be playing for their people but we have determination and quality to look for the victory,” said the Bosnian.

“I said to the players that we