Won’t fear Japan: Verbeek
Oman looks for win against four-time champions in a Group F game in Abu Dhabi today
Despite losing 1-2 in its opening match of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 to Uzbekistan, Oman's performance came in for praise from all quarters and coach Pim Verbeek is looking ahead to another good game from his wards when they take on highly-fancied Japan in a Group F match at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Sunday.
The match kicks off at 5.30pm, Oman time.
Verbeek said that his men are ready to face one of Asia's biggest teams with 'respect but no fear'. "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 Japan,” said the Dutchman.
"We won't fear Japan as we need the points after being so unlucky against Uzbekistan," said Verbeek.
He added, “The defeat to Uzbekistan is the reason why Oman will face Japan with confidence. We played very well against Uzbekistan but we were unlucky to concede so late. The players, however, have been told of what went wrong and we will face Japan with confidence."
Verbeek said Japan may be superior in terms of experience and technical ability but Oman has done its homework.
"We must capitalise on Japan's weaknesses, if there is any. The players have watched the match against Turkmenistan and they will go into the match fully aware of what we need to do for the three points."
Japan scraped past Turkmenistan 3-2 in its opening match and is top of the group. A win on Sunday against Oman will ensure its berth in the next round while the Red Warriors need to win to keep their hopes alive.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has challenged his players to produce the same in-
tensity they showed in the second half of their game against Turkmenistan on Sunday.
Four-time Asian Cup champions Japan raised their game after trailing 0-1 against Turkmenistan at the break but some tweaking by Moriyasu saw a different side in the second half as the Samurai Blue eventually won 3-2.
"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," he said.
"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."
"Oman has 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.