AFC U23 Asian Cup
Japan cruised to the Group B top spot with three wins while Jordan showed grit to bounce back from an opening day defeat to advance as the Group A runners-up.
“In the group stage, we did everything we could to get results and build momentum. That has given us a lot of confidence and we want to carry that into the knockout stage,” said Nagano, who has started twice in Jeddah.
The defending champions rotated their squad throughout the group stage to maximum effect – scoring 10 goals and conceding none.
The defending champions rotated their squad throughout the group stage to maximum effect – scoring 10 goals and conceding none.
“It’s a knockout match, so every detail matters. When players come on as substitutes, they have to perform at the same level. We need to play with the same intensity and focus as we did in the group stage.
“We haven’t conceded any goals so far and we want to do everything we can to stay focused, keep winning and go as far as possible,” said the defender.
“We haven’t conceded any goals so far and we want to do everything we can to stay focused, keep winning and go as far as possible,” said the defender.
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Kalbouneh, however, believes Jordan’s teamwork and pace will help the West Asian side get the better of two-time winners Japan.
“We hope to show our best as a team and qualify together. The match will be difficult, but our collective spirit is strong and we are prepared to give everything,” said centre-forward Kalbouneh.
“We hope to show our best as a team and qualify together. The match will be difficult, but our collective spirit is strong and we are prepared to give everything,” said centre-forward Kalbouneh.
“Japan are a strong team but we are ready and determined. We believe in ourselves and are prepared to overcome this big challenge in front of us.”
Jordan’s best achievement is a third place finish in 2013 and Kalbouneh is optimistic the current squad will better it.
“All the players share the same goal – to reach the final. We are united and ready. We trust the coach’s decisions and believe that whoever is selected will deliver the best performance for Jordan.”
Jordan’s best achievement is a third place finish in 2013 and Kalbouneh is optimistic the current squad will better it.
“All the players share the same goal – to reach the final. We are united and ready. We trust the coach’s decisions and believe that whoever is selected will deliver the best performance for Jordan.”
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