AFC Asian Cup: Japan head coach Moriyasu tells his top-ranked side to improve or risk early end to title quest
- Japan in line for heavyweight last-16 South Korea contest after group stumble
- Record four-times champions cruised past Indonesia on Wednesday to seal second spot
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said Japan have a long way to go to reach the high level required to compete with their main rivals for the Asian Cup in Qatar.
Japan were far too strong for Indonesia on Wednesday, the final 3-1 scoreline flattering the underdogs, who stay in with a chance of qualifying for the last-16.
Doubts remain over the top-ranked team’s title credentials, however, after the pre-tournament favourites were outplayed by Iraq in a 2-1 defeat last Friday.
Japan were expected to win Group D, but go through as runners up and, consequently, could face a blockbuster last-16 meeting with South Korea.
Jordan could yet hold off the Koreans at the summit of Group E and provide Japan’s second-round opponents. Whoever the Japanese play next, a victory would almost certainly set up a quarter-final date with heavily-fancied Iran.
“Even though we won against Indonesia, there are many aspects can improve, both defensively and offensively,” Moriyasu said. “Our build up play from the back could have been better, and when we got the ball into midfield, we could have had more variety in our attacks.
