Soccer-Sign of respect when critics say Japan are struggling at Asian Cup - Moriyasu


FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Group D - Japan v Indonesia - Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar - January 24, 2024 Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu before the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo

DOHA (Reuters) - Four-times champions Japan have yet to convince they are Asian Cup favourites after finishing second in their group but coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Tuesday that he considers the criticism of his team as a mark of respect ahead of their last-16 game.

Japan are the continent's top-ranked side but finished second in Group D behind Iraq after losing to the west Asian side while Moriyasu's side also failed to keep a clean sheet after conceding goals against Vietnam and Indonesia.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Atletico hit Barcelona for four to take giant step toward Copa del Rey final
Soccer-Arsenal miss chance to go six points clear with draw at Brentford
Syahir’s quiet rise as Selangor’s midfield anchor
Midfield maestro Shitembi sets the tone for Kuching City’s charge
We will bounce back, says Negri fullback Ariff�
Soccer-Tottenham winger Odobert sidelined with ACL tear
Soccer-Real Madrid brace for pivotal fortnight with Real Sociedad and Benfica looming
Soccer-Tottenham not a big club, says former manager Postecoglou
Soccer-Ceferin opposes staging domestic league matches abroad in UEFA Congress speech
Soccer-Tuchel to lead England through to Euro 2028

Others Also Read