Abu Dhabi: Turkmenistan will not be underestimated, not after the surprise results the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 has already produced, but Japan are on a mission to win the Continental title for a record-extending fifth time.



The Samurai Blue, heading into their first major campaign under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, may be a team in transition but that isn't going to stop them from the mission of lifting the sparkling new AFC Asian Cup trophy come February 1.

Standing in Japan's way in Wednesday's opening Group F match are Turkmenistan, whose confidence has been boosted by Jordan defeating defending champions Australia, Palestine holding Syria and the Philippines giving Korea Republic a mighty test before eventually losing 1-0.







Moriyasu said Japan have closely monitored the results, which have emphasised just how important it is to start a major tournament on the right foot.

"This has been a tournament of surprises so far with Australia (1-0 to Jordan) and Thailand losing (4-1 to India), and Korea Republic scoring a 1-0 win over Philippines. The results prove just how hard opening matches can be and our target will be simple against Turkmenistan - just a win," said the soft-spoken Moriyasu at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

"In fact, every match will be tough and the players know this. We may have a team with a blend of experienced and young players but all are up to the task. We want to win the AFC Asian Cup."

Several senior players retired after Japan's 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia journey ended in the Round of 16 and Moriyasu challenged their replacements to take the country's football to the next level.

"When I assumed the post of head coach after the FIFA World Cup, I decided that it was best to have a blended squad as we want to continue building Japanese football.

"I hope the young players in the squad take this challenge and perform in the Asian Cup as this will not only benefit the national team in the long run but also their individual careers," added Moriyasu.

The Japanese tactician is also not worried about his entire squad of 23 players only getting together on Sunday, due to their club commitments.

"We had a week-long training camp in December and as much as I would have liked to have had the squad together for a longer period, I believe we have prepared well and are ready for not just Turkmenistan but all our other opponents in the group."

Japan captain Maya Yoshida echoed Moriyasu's words, saying the squad was eager to reclaim the AFC Asian Cup after their campaign ended in the quarter-finals at the hands of the United Arab Emirates four years ago.

"That was a major disappointment for us and the team is determined to win the title again. I have confidence in all the players and if we play with pride and responsibility, I am optimistic of our chances," said the Southampton centre-back.

Turkmenistan head coach Yazguly Hojageldiyew is counting on his team's strong desire to play in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 to stop Japan in what will be the Central Asian side's second appearance in the Finals.

"We know where Japan stand. They are a very good team and we saw how they played in the FIFA World Cup. Their depth is such that you can't distinguish who their key players are.

"However, we also have a strong desire to perform and I believe that my players, who showed great determination to qualify for the Finals, will be able to challenge Japan," said Hojageldiyew.

For Ruslan Mingazov, playing in the AFC Asian Cup will be extra special as he would be doing so 15 years after his father Kamil appeared for Turkmenistan in the Continental showpiece.

"I remember clearly my father's participation in the AFC Asian Cup and I now have the chance to emulate him.

"The entire team is looking forward to the competition and we can't wait to take on Japan. The earlier results have inspired us and we will be aiming to achieve it against Japan."


Source: the-afc.com