Al Ain: Wataru Endo has stressed Japan will seek to play their own style of football when they face off against Islamic Republic of Iran in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 on Monday at Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.



Japan will take a perfect record into the last four clash with Team Melli after five wins out of five since the tournament kicked off on January 5, but the Belgium-based central midfielder knows his side face a significant test of their title credentials against Carlos Queiroz’s side.

However, he refuses to be overawed by the challenge that lies ahead against Asia’s No. 1 ranked nation.



“We know that Iran is a strong opponent, but we want to play our own football,” said the 25-year-old. “We want to play as challengers and I think throughout the tournament we have been adapting well when we have had difficulties on the pitch or when we’re in a bad rhythm. So we want to continue that. And individually I want to be focused on my tasks.

“First of all we want to gain possession of the ball, that’s important to how we play and without that it can’t happen. Iran can play that way too, but they can respond quickly with long balls too and we’ll have to adjust to that situation.”

 


Semi-final: IR Iran v Japan

Endo is playing at the AFC Asian Cup Finals for the first time, having been a member of Akira Nishino’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, after which he secured a transfer from Urawa Red Diamonds to Sint-Truidense in the top flight of Belgian football.

While he does not believe he has made the position in front of the Japanese defence his own despite several accomplished performances in the United Arab Emirates, he is confident he can continue to improve.

And he expects to take another step forward on Monday against the Iranians.

“As a team and as an individual we had some regrets after the World Cup,” said Endo. “After the World Cup I transferred to Europe because I wanted to improve in my position more and, little-by-little, I think I’m expressing myself within the national team and that’s making me more confident.

“There are a lot of good players in the same position and I don’t think I’ve secured the position in the team yet. I need to continue to perform well and in the future that will lead me to become one of the leading players in the national team. But first of all I want to stay focused for tomorrow’s game.”


Source: the-afc.com