Moriyasu Expects Japan to Advance to the Semifinals
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Hajime Moriyasu expects his Japan side to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, just as it did in five of the last six editions of the continental showpiece.
Standing in its way at Education City Stadium on Saturday is Iran, with the Samurai Blue holding an unbeaten record against its opponent at the AFC Asian Cup (W2 D2).
Moriyasu, while confident of Japan’s chances, said his side will not make the mistake of underestimating Iran, despite the absence of star striker Mehdi Taremi due to suspension.
“Obviously it will be a very tough match due to the schedule but whatever the circumstances, we have to perform,” said Moriyasu. “I think Iran has the same number of rest days, just that we have played less minutes. It’s a match between two big teams in Asia so I’m really looking forward to it,” he added.
“Every match we have conceded at least one goal, which is not something we want. In every game, we made mistakes and we need to adjust these small things so that we can win the match.
“Taremi may be suspended but Iran still has (Sardar) Azmoun as well as other attacking players who can hurt us. We have to concentrate on our defensive line to stop them but that doesn’t mean that we deploy a different tactic just because Taremi isn’t there,” Moriyasu concluded.
