Four-time Asian Cup football champions Japan expect a tough opening match, without an injured Kaoru Mitoma, against Vietnam, coached by former Japan boss Philippe Troussier.
"We've been analyzed by a coach who knows Japan," Samurai Blue coach Hajime Moriyasu told a press conference Saturday in Doha, a day before the two sides meet in their Asian Cup Group D opener. "We are ready for a tough game and to come out winners in the end."
Moriyasu also revealed that Brighton winger Mitoma will miss the opening game due to a left ankle injury sustained in a Dec. 21 Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
"I want us to take on this game with aggressiveness, patience and tenacity. We'll take it one game at a time, and as we progress, I want to get a sense of our growth, both as individuals and as a team," Moriyasu said.
Japan are attempting to become Asian champions for the first time in three tournaments, having lost the last final in 2019, 3-1 to Qatar.
Troussier led Japan to the World Cup round of 16 for the first time at the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
The Frenchman, attending a separate press conference, said he knows a lot about Japan and called them one of the tournament's favorites.
Japan edged Vietnam 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2019 tourney in the United Arab Emirates. In the final Asian qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup, Japan were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Vietnam.
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