AFC U17 Asian Cup
Both sides are in excellent form - setting up a compelling contest for a place in the final.
Japan head into the tie with momentum after a commanding 5-0 win over Tajikistan in the quarter-finals but head coach Shingi Ono believes there is still room for improvement as his side bid to reclaim the title.
“I’m very happy and appreciative of all the players. I’m satisfied with the results so far,” said Ono. “Our players, however, still need to improve and achieve more. I want to help make them stronger.”
“I’m very happy and appreciative of all the players. I’m satisfied with the results so far,” said Ono. “Our players, however, still need to improve and achieve more. I want to help make them stronger.”
Ono acknowledged that fine margins will decide the semi-final.
“We have to win the next match. Our results against Uzbekistan have been even in the past but I believe we can reach the final. The prospect of facing China PR has also been on my mind as their head coach (Bin Ukishima) is Japanese but my focus is only on our game (against Uzbekistan).
“It will definitely be a tough game. At this level in Asia, every match is difficult. This is a very important test and I believe our players can overcome it.”
“We have to win the next match. Our results against Uzbekistan have been even in the past but I believe we can reach the final. The prospect of facing China PR has also been on my mind as their head coach (Bin Ukishima) is Japanese but my focus is only on our game (against Uzbekistan).
“It will definitely be a tough game. At this level in Asia, every match is difficult. This is a very important test and I believe our players can overcome it.”
#AFCU17 - Preview: Semi-Finals
Defending champions Uzbekistan, meanwhile, have shown both control and character on their route to the last four, having cruised through the group stage before demonstrating composure in a dramatic quarter-final win over Korea Republic on penalties.
Head coach Sergey Chigodaev has instilled the belief that the Central Asian side are fully capable of defending their crown.
Head coach Sergey Chigodaev has instilled the belief that the Central Asian side are fully capable of defending their crown.
“We are studying our opponents closely. They have good players and we are analysing their weaknesses. We have played them three times before and tomorrow will be a tough and interesting match,” said Chigodaev. “Yes, we are the defending champions but now it is not easy to defend the trophy. We are trying to defend it and become champions again.
“At this stage, all teams are strong. That is why we are expecting a tough match. We will do our best to try to reach the final again.”
“At this stage, all teams are strong. That is why we are expecting a tough match. We will do our best to try to reach the final again.”
Japan v Uzbekistan
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:00 (UTC+3)
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:00 (UTC+3)
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