Wat-Not Staff
As Japan prepares for their World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, head coach Hajime Moriyasu is keeping his team grounded despite their recent 7-0 thrashing of China. The Samurai Blue’s dominant performance at Saitama Stadium has set high expectations, but Moriyasu is wary of underestimating their next opponents.
A Cautious Approach After Unexpected Results
Japan’s impressive 7-0 victory over China in their opening World Cup qualifier match was a statement of intent.
Takumi Minamino, Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda, and Takefusa Kubo all scored in a match that showcased Japan’s attacking prowess.
However, Moriyasu’s focus is firmly on the upcoming clash with Bahrain, who stunned Australia with a 1-0 win, thanks to a late Harry Souttar own goal.
This result has left Japan and Bahrain at the top of Group C after the first round of matches.
Moriyasu highlighted the unpredictable nature of World Cup qualifiers, emphasising that Japan cannot afford to be complacent.
“This win doesn’t guarantee that we will qualify or mean anything before the Bahrain game,” he said. He stressed the importance of continuous preparation and the need to approach every game with the same level of intensity and focus.
Strategic Planning for Bahrain
Japan’s last encounter with Bahrain ended in a 3-1 victory in the Asian Cup earlier this year.
Despite this, Moriyasu is taking a cautious approach, aware that Bahrain will be buoyed by their recent success.
“Bahrain will have momentum with that win and it’s going to be a home game for them,” Moriyasu noted.
He plans to adapt his strategy based on the flow of the match, balancing aggressive play with patience and adaptability.
Moriyasu’s emphasis on flexibility and maximising individual talent underscores Japan’s commitment to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The team’s ability to remain grounded and focused will be crucial as they face Bahrain in what promises to be a challenging encounter.
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