Hard-won victory over Vietnam, Japanese team coach rejects all criticism

Japan - the four-time Asian champions, had a difficult time beating Vietnam 4-2 in the first match of Group D after conceding two goals in the first half. Coach Moriyasu's team will meet Iraq in the second match at 6:30 p.m. on January 19 and this coach said he was "not worried" about the unconvincing performance in the opening match.

The Japanese team (right) had a difficult victory against Vietnam.

"I know we have had some criticism. It was the opening match and some people thought we would easily beat the other team. But it doesn't affect how we proceed with our plans for the tournament. If we are criticized, it just shows that people are watching us so I don't mind too much," coach Moriyasu said at a press conference ahead of the match against Iraq.

After the first round of matches, Japan is currently at the top of the group, with 3 points like Iraq (who beat Indonesia 3-1 in the opening round) but with a better goal difference. Japan is considered a strong candidate for the Asian Cup championship this year, possessing many stars playing in top European leagues.

Coach Moriyasu said he was not too concerned about whether some doubted Japan were strong contenders for the title, stressing: "Make no mistake, we are aiming to win the championship."

The tactician added that Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who missed the opening game through injury, is racing to recover to play against Iraq. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury on December 21 last year, is also expected to return.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu has dismissed criticism of his unconvincing performance against Vietnam.

At the press conference, defender Kou Itakura (who plays for German club Borussia Monchengladbach) announced that the Japanese team will show a better face against Iraq. "The match against Vietnam did not go as we expected, but that is not unusual in the Asian Cup, as no match is easy. It is not that we are negligent or anything. We will look at it positively and try to play better."

Meanwhile, Iraq coach Jesus Casas said Swedish-born winger Danilo Al-Saed asked to leave the tournament because of mental problems after the match against Indonesia: "I tried to talk and convince him but he was very clear in his decision."

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