On Monday 27 March, SAMURAI BLUE Coach Vahid HALILHODZIC commented at press conference ahead of the seventh match of the 2018 World Cup Final Asian Qualifiers against Thailand, “The true value of the UAE match only comes after winning the next game. We must keep our focus and brace ourselves. Else wise, we might not get the desired result.”

On the 23rd, Japan secured an away win 2-0 over the UAE in their sixth qualification match and sit in second place with 13 points of Group B with 4 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw.

Coach HALILHODZIC further states, “Winning an away game will bring us some confidence,” but at the same time he warns, “The battle for the World Cup continues and a minor error can nullify all our efforts for the past three years.”

On the other hand, Thailand lost their home game 0-3 to Saudi Arabia and remains bottom of the group with 5 losses and 1 draw. However, they had demonstrated their attacking flair in the Saudi match creating numerous scoring chances.

Vahid HALILHODZIC adds, “Many people think this match will be surety for the Japanese side. However, I argue differently and view it as a tough match.” Furthermore, he claims, “We cannot underestimate Thailand. They are a quality team who had a potential of beating Australia.”

Last September, Japan saw off Thailand 2-0 in an away game, but two key players, forward OSAKO Yuya (1.FC Koeln) and midfielder KONNO Yasuyuki (Gamba Osaka) both of whom performed superbly against the UAE, will miss the match due to injuries on top of already sidelined midfielders HASEBE Makoto (Eintracht Frankfurt) and TAKAHAGI Yojiro (F.C. Tokyo).

Thailand also have their concerns as captain and defender Theerathon BUNMATHAN will be unavailable after picking up his second booking in the previous match. The Thai captain has provided the team with superb deliveries especially from set plays and their coach KIATISUK SENAMUANG admits that the team has lost their key personnel by stating, “We cannot keep talking about our weaknesses.” However, Thailand manager encourages his players, “We have nothing to lose. We will challenge the match with all we have with courage. We are looking for an excellent match.”

Both national teams held an official practice at match site Saitama Stadium for the first 15 minutes open to media and later part closed to make their final preparation for tonight’s match.

Southampton defender YOSHIDA Maya states his view of the match: “Since the goal difference is significant, ideally we want to win by scoring plenty of goals. However, we must secure three points first. We have to brace our selves after an excellent match. I would like to lead the team including the mental aspect.”

Forward OKAZAKI Shinji comments, “It will be considerable different from the UAE match. The key will be how we perform in the first half.” The Premier League striker further shows his enthusiasm by stating, “My team is waiting for my goals. I cannot wait to score some and meet the expectations of my teammates.”

The scheduled kick-off time of Japan-Thailand match is 19:35 at Saitama Stadium 2◯◯2.

Coach's and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
We performed superbly against the UAE, but the true value of this performance only comes after winning the next one. This coming match is about the contest of attaining this value or not. If will let go of this opportunity after a UAE win, then I must say we lack the quality of professional players. Some claimed it would be difficult to qualify for the World Cup after losing the first match of the Asian Qualifiers, but we are now in prime position to book a place in the world competition and in a stage to confirm that spot as well.

We must not forget Thailand is a quality team. We need to maintain a high level of motivation and keep up our hard work. It is not optimal to lose Osako and Konno ahead of this key match. Hasebe is also unavailable due to injury. However, we must come up with a new plan given our current circumstances. All my players are highly motivated to perform for the team, and I am confident they will do their best to win the Thailand match. I am also instructing them to ‘think and understand the current situation, keep up the motivation level and stay focused, do not lose composure until the very end’.

Experiencing an away win will bring us some confidence. However, we cannot be satisfied after seeing off UAE. If we win against Thailand, we will find new responsibilities. This is how we grow as a team and prepare ourselves for the World Cup. I must say however that we have attained good results so far. I am looking to make Japan my third team to lead to the World Cup by demanding my players to work even harder. I am confident I am not a coach who will miss this opportunity to enter the world competition.

FW KUBO Yuya (KAA Gent/Belgium)
I believe the opponents will stay back and defend against us. It will be important that forward players have several ideas of breaking through their defenses. Attacking variations will be necessary and I believe attacks from both sides will be effective. Getting involved in scoring of the team is what I view as my responsibility. Thus, I want to contribute to the team by creating chances from the flanks. I will not be too concerned about goals, but capitalize on those opportunities when they arrive.

FW USAMI Takashi (FC Augsburg/Germany)
If the opponents decide to stay back, then we should utilize our individual skills to break through them. I believe we will have possession for the most part and, if I get a chance to be on the pitch, then I will also have several chances to touch the ball. Certainly, it will depend on my actual position, but considering that I am most likely to enter the match as a winger, I will be looking to create chances from the flanks. I am confident that I can take on such responsibility and make a difference for the team.

MF KIYOTAKE Hiroshi (Cerezo Osaka)
The opponents might stay back and defend, but our style of football should not change. We need to constantly demonstrate it throughout this game. I believe we will dominate in possession, and it will be important for us to make effective pass exchanges, where we can disrupt their defensive organisation or force them to push up the different lines of players. It is also crucial that we make our own decisions and adjustments on the pitch. I've already discussed this with my teammates, and we will be looking to talk and help each other during the game.

DF YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC/England)
We attained positive results even in adverse situations and I believe this is a result of our hard work. New players are performing superbly as well and this has brought some positive internal competition within the team. Veteran players are also necessary and overall the team have made significant progress. Looking ahead of the upcoming games, it is important that we continue to accumulated points. If we fail to do so, other teams might surpass us and we might end up in a difficult situation again. We cannot stop here, but continue to win the remaining matches.

DF MAKINO Tomoaki (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Despite losing few players with injuries, we thoroughly discussed what we need to do in our meetings and the team is in excellent form with positive and cheerful atmosphere. I believe this is the result of getting through adversities and winning the tough UAE match. It will make this victory even more meaningful if we win the coming Thailand match. We need to keep our focus and get ready for the next game.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*Open to the media for the first 15min.
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

ASIAN QUALIFIERS - ROAD TO RUSSIA

2017-3-28 (Tue.) 19:35 kick off (estimated time)
Saitama Stadium 2002
SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Thailand National Team
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