FIFA World Cup
The Japanese handed Tunisia a 4-0 defeat on Saturday having started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands to sit in a strong position to claim pole position and a more favourable draw in the next phase of the competition.
Japan are level on points and goal difference with the Dutch but would need to defeat the Swedes at Dallas Stadium by more than Ronald Koeman's side win over the Tunisians if they are to have any hope of climbing to the summit.
Japan are level on points and goal difference with the Dutch but would need to defeat the Swedes at Dallas Stadium by more than Ronald Koeman's side win over the Tunisians if they are to have any hope of climbing to the summit.
"We are basically thinking of winning, that's what's in our mind," said Moriyasu. "If possible we would like to advance on top of the group by scoring as many goals, but distorting the balance of the team is more of a risk. We will see.
"We don't know what kind of team we will come up against in the next round but what's important is that we are solid and that we play against a team that we are able to deal with no matter what appears.
"First we want to think about ourselves and how we play tomorrow. In terms of our target we would like to win and qualify for the knockout stage on top of the table."
"We don't know what kind of team we will come up against in the next round but what's important is that we are solid and that we play against a team that we are able to deal with no matter what appears.
"First we want to think about ourselves and how we play tomorrow. In terms of our target we would like to win and qualify for the knockout stage on top of the table."
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The winners of Group F would face the runners-up in Group C, which features Brazil and Morocco while there remains a possibility the Japanese could finish third in the group.
That would leave Moriyasu's side waiting on the outcome of the remaining group matches before finding out if they have advanced and who they will face in the next phase of the competition.
Japan are likely to be without the services once more of Takefusa Kubo, who continues to receive treatment on the knee injury he sustained against the Dutch but Moriyasu has few concerns about who will start against Graham Potter's team.
That would leave Moriyasu's side waiting on the outcome of the remaining group matches before finding out if they have advanced and who they will face in the next phase of the competition.
Japan are likely to be without the services once more of Takefusa Kubo, who continues to receive treatment on the knee injury he sustained against the Dutch but Moriyasu has few concerns about who will start against Graham Potter's team.
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"Anyone can play with anyone else, that's the readiness we wanted to ensure," Moriyasu said of the flexibility and familiarity he has within his squad.
"That's easier said than done but when there's a change over in the team, it's not that simple or easy to play with different players and achieve good results or be successful.
"I'm very grateful that the other coaches and the players have been developing themselves towards such a great achievement.
"In the last two matches the team has functioned tactically and with the team work they are developing and increasing their readiness."
"That's easier said than done but when there's a change over in the team, it's not that simple or easy to play with different players and achieve good results or be successful.
"I'm very grateful that the other coaches and the players have been developing themselves towards such a great achievement.
"In the last two matches the team has functioned tactically and with the team work they are developing and increasing their readiness."
The Swedes go into the game off the back of a 5-1 loss against the Netherlands having kicked off their campaign with a 5-1 win over Tunisia.
But despite their recent loss, Moriyasu is wary of twin strikers Alexsander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
"They're world class, wonderful strikers so I would like us to enjoy facing these players," he said. "It's going to be a good opportunity for our players to develop themselves further."
But despite their recent loss, Moriyasu is wary of twin strikers Alexsander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
"They're world class, wonderful strikers so I would like us to enjoy facing these players," he said. "It's going to be a good opportunity for our players to develop themselves further."
Japan v Sweden
Venue: Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Kick-off: Thursday, 18:00 (UTC-5)
Photos: AFP, FIFA via Getty Images
Venue: Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Kick-off: Thursday, 18:00 (UTC-5)
Photos: AFP, FIFA via Getty Images
