Japan have won each of their first two matches in Group F, though they didn’t exactly make light work of beating Turkmenistan on match-day one, while they weren’t overly convincing against Oman last time out. If they’re to get the better of Uzbekistan, who’re currently above the Japanese on goal difference, then Samurai Blue may need to up their game. On match-day one, Japan took a while to hit their stride; their trailed Turkmenistan by a goal to nil at half-time, though in their second half their extra quality told, especially in the final third. Second time out, Samurai Blue improved at both ends of the pitch, though they were once again underwhelming. From a creativity point of view, they offered a good amount, while they gave little away, though they were wasteful in front of goal. It’s better to create chances than offer little going forward, but the finishing of Hajime Moriyasu’s men will need to improve if they’re to go all the way in UAE. Having looked dangerous in scoring four goals last time out, it’s easy to feel that Uzbekistan could cause the Japanese more than just a few problems on Thursday afternoon. Japan have the quality to get seriously involved in the final third and they certainly have plenty of room for improvement in that respect.
Japan have won each of their first two matches in Group F, though they didn’t exactly make light work of beating Turkmenistan on match-day one, while they weren’t overly convincing against Oman last time out. If they’re to get the better of Uzbekistan, who’re currently above the Japanese on goal difference, then Samurai Blue may need to up their game.
On match-day one, Japan took a while to hit their stride; their trailed Turkmenistan by a goal to nil at half-time, though in their second half their extra quality told, especially in the final third.
Second time out, Samurai Blue improved at both ends of the pitch, though they were once again underwhelming. From a creativity point of view, they offered a good amount, while they gave little away, though they were wasteful in front of goal. It’s better to create chances than offer little going forward, but the finishing of Hajime Moriyasu’s men will need to improve if they’re to go all the way in UAE.
Having looked dangerous in scoring four goals last time out, it’s easy to feel that Uzbekistan could cause the Japanese more than just a few problems on Thursday afternoon.
Japan have the quality to get seriously involved in the final third and they certainly have plenty of room for improvement in that respect.