Japan - the four-time Asian champions, struggled to beat Vietnam 4-2 in the first match of Group D after conceding two goals in the first half. Coach Moriyasu's team will face Iraq in the second match at 6:30 p.m. on January 19 and the coach said he was "not worried" about the unconvincing performance in the opening match.
The Japanese team (right) had a difficult victory against Vietnam.
"I know we have had some criticism. It was the opening match and some people thought we would easily beat the other team. But it doesn't affect how we go about our plans for the tournament. If we are criticized, it just shows that people are watching us so I don't mind too much," coach Moriyasu said at a press conference ahead of the match against Iraq.
After the first round, Japan is currently at the top of the group, with 3 points like Iraq (who beat Indonesia 3-1 in the opening round) but with a better goal difference. Japan is considered a strong candidate for the Asian Cup championship this year as it has many stars playing in top European leagues.
Coach Moriyasu said he was not too concerned about whether some people doubted Japan were strong contenders for the title, stressing: "Make no mistake, we are aiming to win the championship."
The tactician added that Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who missed the opening game through injury, is racing to be fit for the Iraq game. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury on December 21 last year, is also expected to return.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu has dismissed criticism of his unconvincing performance against Vietnam.
At the press conference, defender Kou Itakura (who plays for German club Borussia Monchengladbach) announced that the Japanese team will show a better face against Iraq. "The match against Vietnam did not go as we expected, but that is not unusual in the Asian Cup as no match is easy. It is not that we are negligent or anything. We will look at it in a positive way and try to play better."
Meanwhile, Iraq coach Jesus Casas said Swedish winger Danilo Al-Saed had asked to leave the tournament due to mental problems after the match against Indonesia: "I tried to talk to him and convince him but he was very clear in his decision."
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