AFC Asian Qualifiers
Japan concluded their campaign with six straight wins and no goals conceded but Moriyasu knows the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers will be much more challenging and expects his players to remain sharp.
“We were facing a team that had to win, and the players got the result by working hard to prepare, doing the things that they had to do. But the final round coming up will be at a completely different level from the second round,” said Moriyasu.
“Defensively, we were well balanced and kept their attacks at bay to finish the game with a clean sheet.”
Japan dominated from the start with goals from Ayase Ueda (two), Ritsu Doan, Yuki Soma and Takumi Minamino as they closed in on an eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
“The formation itself may not have been the reason for this win, but the fact that the players showed their ability to cope with a short preparation period and play a solid game without conceding a goal gives us confidence that this could be an option for the future.”
Two defeats in a row ended Syria’s hopes as they were edged to the qualifying spot following DPR Korea’s 4-1 win over Myanmar, with Hector Cuper stepping down as head coach in the aftermath of the heartbreaking defeat.
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