Japan

With their credentials, players and pedigree, Japan must be considered the sky-high favourites to win their fifth Asian Cup – and not just on account of their outstanding showing at the last World Cup, but because of their tournament record, quality across the squad, and a coach who oozes confidence.

What to expect

They qualified at a canter and repeated victory over Germany in 2023 in a friendly that prompted Hansi Flick’s departure. The Japanese have strength in depth and have become more apt at converting possession and pressure into goals.

Iraq will represent a proper first-round test, but they should still navigate Group D with ease.

The Samurai Blue lead the pack of the region’s traditional powerhouses and it may simply be a question of who can stop them. Doha brings back good memories as well.

In 2011, Japan won one of their four Asian Cup titles in Qatar, defeating Australia 1-0 in the final. They’d settle for that again.

Star player

Japan can count on no less than 22 European-based players in their squad, including Liverpool’s Watari Endo, Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, Monaco’s Takumi Minamino and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, who remains doubtful over what stage he will enter to competition due to an ankle injury.

They have plenty of marquee players, but perhaps Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo (pictured) could be a standout player during the tournament.

A flexible left-footed forward, Kubo brings creativity to the Japanese side. His dribbling can unlock opponents and his positional versatility is an asset. Having featured as a striker, right winger and attacking midfielder at his club, Kubo can take on the number ten role for Japan.

Manager 

Hajime Moriyasu succeeded Akiri Nishino to lead Japan to the 2019 Asian Cup final, but for the first time, the Samurai Blue were defeated in a continental final.

Moriyasu has (pictured) been at the heart of Japanese football for more than three decades, first as a player and then as a coach. He has had his critics however and rightly so with his national team failing to convince at times, but Japan’s run to the round of 16 at the World Cup silenced the doubters.

His side plays a skilful, quick-passing game with lots of industry, build-up from the back and quick movements down the wings. Moriyasu tends to play a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Schedule 

Sunday, January 14, 2024, 2:30 pm:  Japan – Vietnam – Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

Friday, January 19, 2024, 2:30 pm: Iraq – Japan – Education City Stadium, Doha

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 2:30 pm: Japan – Indonesia – Al Thumama Stadium Stadium, Doha

Squad