MODEST JAPAN AIM FOR FIFTH TITLE
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu indulged in some early mind games by claiming his side were long shots to win a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title.
"We're the challengers," said the former Japan midfielder, who has yet to lose in five matches since taking over from Akira Nishino after the 2018 World Cup.
"Our job is to try and snatch the title back."
Despite Leicester striker Shinji Okazaki and Borussia Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa being omitted from the squad, former Japan coach Philippe Troussier has tipped the Samurai Blue for glory in the United Arab Emirates.
"Japan have one of the best teams in the competition on paper," said the Frenchman. "Of course, teams like South Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia have the same ambition, but Japan have the potential to win the title."
Japan open their campaign against Turkmenistan on Wednesday and also face Oman and Uzbekistan in Group F.
Veteran Yuto Nagatomo believes the new-look team, who reached the knockout stages of last year's World Cup after controversially sacking coach Vahid Halilhodzic in the run-up, can spring some surprises.
"We have to believe we can win it," the Galatasaray full-back told local media.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
JAPAN FACTFILEÂ
FIFA RANKING: 50
BEST PERFORMANCE: Champions (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)
LAST EDITION (2015): Quarter-finals
COACH: Hajime Moriyasu
KEY PLAYER: Takumi Minamino (forward)
Â
Â
Â
SOUTH KOREA BANK ON SON TO END LONG WAIT
South Korea are hoping forward Son Heung-min's dazzling pace and goals can help them end a 59-year wait to be crowned continental kings.
The 2015 runners-up have put their stamp on the international scene in recent times, stunning holders Germany at last year's World Cup before winning the Asian Games football tournament in September last year.
Son, 26, was at the heart of both successes and his delight was plain to see at the Asian Games where victory earned the team an exemption from South Korea's compulsory, 21-month military service.
He has been in scorching form for Tottenham, scoring seven goals in his last seven Premier League games and he believes a break from international duty in November helped him avoid a mid-season burnout.
Since coach Paolo Bento took charge of the Taeguk Warriors in August, they have been unbeaten in seven matches. Son will, however, miss the first two matches against Philippines (Monday) and Kyrgyzstan (Jan 11) under an agreement between Spurs and the Korea Football Association. He will join the squad in time for their final Group C clash against China on Jan 16.
"The Asian Cup is big for us because we have not won it for 59 years... I am going there to win something," he added.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
SOUTH KOREA FACTFILE
FIFA RANKING: 53
BEST PERFORMANCE: Champions (1956, 1960)
LAST EDITION: Runners-up
COACH: Paulo Bento
KEY PLAYER: Son Heung-min (forward)
QUEIROZ EYES FAST START FOR IRAN
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has demanded a high-intensity start against debutants Yemen in their Asian Cup Group D opener.
World No. 29 Iran, the top-ranked Asian team, are one of the tournament favourites and the Portuguese said they must make their presence felt on Monday.
"I want to develop this kind of instinct in my team, to keep all of our energy so that it explodes in the 90 minutes against Yemen," Queiroz told the AFC website.
"And, when we finish the game, then it's time to think about Vietnam and after that Iraq."
Queiroz urged his team not to underestimate 135th-ranked Yemen.
"The first game is always the most difficult because it's everything for the winner and almost nothing for the loser in a short competition of three games," he said. "There are no small teams.
"I was checking the results of the Iran teams in different competitions, at U-17s, U-20s, and never have Iran beaten Yemen in official competitions.
"There's a reason for that: Yemen might draw or lose, but Yemen are a tough team to beat."
Iran are looking to end a 43-year wait for their fourth title. They crashed out of the last Asian Cup on penalties to Iraq in a thrilling quarter-final.
REUTERS
IRAN FACTFILE
FIFA RANKING: 29
BEST PERFORMANCE: Champions (1968, 1972, 1976)
LAST EDITION: Quarter-finals
COACH: Carlos Queiroz
KEY PLAYER: Sardar Azmoun (striker)
ADDITION OF TRIO A BOOST FOR THAILAND
The return of Teerasil Dangda, Theerathon Bunmathan and Chanathip Songkrasin may force Thailand to make a few tactical tweaks, but vice-captain Chalermpong Kerdkaew said their experience will only improve the team's chances at the Asian Cup.
Teerasil, who missed out on Thailand's AFF Suzuki Cup campaign last month when they exited in the semi-finals, was named captain by coach Milovan Rajevac. The 30-year-old striker, who plays for J1 League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima on loan from Muangthong United, is the only surviving member from Thailand's last Asian Cup appearance in 2007.
He has scored 42 goals in 95 appearances, while full-back Theerathon and midfielder Chanathip allow them to be more adventurous going forward.
"It is good to have them back in the squad. We are stronger with them in the team," said Chalermpong.
Thailand face India in their Group A opener tomorrow before meeting Bahrain and host UAE.
Despite their underdogs status, Thailand are targeting a first appearance in the knockout stages since 1972 when they finished third on home soil.
"I agree that all the teams that have qualified for the finals are strong, but we aren't afraid of anyone," Chalermpong added.
REUTERS
THAILAND FACTFILE
FIFA RANKING: 118
BEST PERFORMANCE: Third place (1972)
LAST EDITION: Did not qualify
COACH: Milovan Rajevac
KEY PLAYER: Chanathip Songkrasin (midfielder)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Few of the 24 women's World Cup teams arriving in France for next month's tournament will bear the weight of expectation quite like reigning champions the United States.
Holders U.S. shrug off weight of World Cup expectations
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City dropped to their lowest position of the season to sixth after losing to Manchester City. fantastic football and we made a lot of
Chelsea boss Sarri baffled by 6-0 humbling at Man City
Dec 18, 2018 · Manchester United parted company with coach Jose Mourinho after its worst Premier League start in 28 years, seeking to recapture the form that made it the world's most valuable soccer team.
Football: Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse. LONDON (REUTERS) - Premier League leaders Liverpool failed to fully capitalise on Manchester City's defeat the previous night as they were held 1-1 at home by Leicester City on Wednesday (Jan 30) while below them the top-four fight took another twist.
Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse - Reuters
The Dave Ramsey Show (Hour 2 Hosted By Rachel Cruze) The Dave Ramsey Show LIVE 1,197 watching Live now
Captain Cobra Unfinished business 2 - YouTube
The metropolis is extremely well-liked by fanatics and it's Mexico's most widely used place for game doing some fishing. Surrounding wild animals refuge hosts over 300 kinds of birds, 50 species of animals and amphibians and most 30 types of creatures -- species which a visitor to your site may not normally visit in such an enchanting placing.
Online Shopping: Shop the Official HSN Site | HSN
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has been given a one-match ban by the Football Association for improper conduct after sarcastically applauding referee Andre Marriner. Zaha was punished following
Palace's Zaha banned for referee sarcastic clap - Breitbart
Football: Villa return to Premier League with win over Derby County LONDON (REUTERS) - Aston Villa returned to the Premier League, after a three year absence, beating Derby County 2-1 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on Monday (May 27).
Championship play-off final: Aston Villa 2-1 Derby County
The Premier League voiced "significant concerns" over potential reforms to the Champions League on Friday, saying the changes would damage the thriving domestic game.
Premier League voices fears over proposed UCL reforms
Lyon vs Barcelona: Wasteful Barcelona held to goalless draw at defiant Lyon The La Liga leaders dominated the match at the Groupama stadium but lacked accuracy up front and were grateful to their goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen who made two great saves.
Wasteful Barca held to goalless 0-0 draw at defiant Lyon
Jose Mourinho says the belief Jurgen Klopp has instilled in his Liverpool squad was behind the stunning win over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals.
Jose Mourinho showers praise on Jurgen Klopp, says liverpool
0 comments:
Post a Comment