Vahid HALILHODZIC, the coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team), appeared at a press conference at the hotel in Singapore on 11 November prior to the fifth match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers Round 2 against Singapore. He expressed his aims: "the most important thing is to win but, of course, we have to score as much as possible."

Singapore and Japan are currently sitting in the same place with 10 points in group E. So far, Japan have played one game less than the other four teams, being two points behind Syria, who is in the lead. If Japan beat Singapore, the team will be once again in the lead.

Japan’s record against Singapore is 20 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, including a scoreless draw in the first match of the qualifiers at home in June.

Halilhodzic, the coach, noted: "there is no easy match in the World Cup qualifiers. This time, it will be more difficult because the opponent is playing at home. Staying ambitious for as many goals as possible encourages the team and is good preparation for the final qualifiers. He also expressed his expectations: "I hope the players are up for revenge with firm determination and spirit. I believe they will perform well in this match."

The forward OKAZAKI Shinji (Leicester City Football Club) answered a question about what was crucial in the game: "a goal early on and at essential points in the match, which we couldn’t achieve in the previous game. We’ll look for this as a team."

Although Singapore’s experienced forward Khairul AMRI will be off the pitch due to injury, the team still boast goalkeeper Izwan MANBUD and defender Baihakki KHAIZAN, both of who performed superbly in the previous match.

Bernd STANGE, the coach of the Singapore National Team noted: "we’re proud of having earned 10 points. I'm very curious to see what we can deliver tomorrow, and find out whether the previous match was an accident or if we can deliver another surprise."

In the evening, the Japanese players held a one-hour session, including an open 15-minute session at the beginning, to check the pitch condition at the National Stadium as well as their tactics.

Although SAMURAI BLUE played an international friendly against Brazil at the same stadium last October when it was built, the turf has been laid again recently. Especially during the rainy season, it can be very humid when the roof is closed.

The goalkeeper NISHIKAWA Shusaku (Urawa Reds), who feels "familiar" with the retractable-roof stadium because of his old home stadium in Oita, mentioned: "the pitch is better than I expected, but slippery due to the humidity. I need to be careful about long shots, such as ground shots."

Japan have kept a clean sheet throughout the four qualifying matches. Nishikawa, who has played four matches since September, on top of an international friendly, expressed his enthusiasm: "the coach has also emphasized strongly that we should keep a clean sheet until the end of the second qualifiers. To start with, we’ll do so tomorrow. I’ll stay vocal in the second half, so that we can keep concentrating.

The match against Singapore will kick-off at 19:15 (20:15 Japan Time) on 12 November.

Coach and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
In tomorrow’s match, the most important thing is to win but, of course, we have to score as much as possible. The players need to have firm determination and strong spirit. Staying ambitious for as many goals as possible encourages the team and is a good preparation for the final qualifier. Attacking as much as possible to score is the motto of the team.

During yesterday’s tactic practice, I told the players two solutions for playing a revenge game with firm determination and strong spirit. So far, the opponents who have played against us have built a defensive block, so it’s very difficult for us to score goals. We have to start quickly to go for the victory. Even if we cannot score early on, we have to stay confident. We aim to win the coming two games, including the one against Cambodia. I hope we succeed.

DF  NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Internazionale Milano/Italy)
I think the pitch condition got so much better than the previous game here against Brazil. If we attack in a timely and effective manner, the midfielders can perform well. So it’s vital that the players on the wings move well as well. I’d like to balance with the players on the other side, preparing to defend the opponent’s counter-attacks. If the opponent focuses on defence, there won’t be much space near the goal. I think it’s essential to think strategically about whether or not to receive the ball up front.

MF  YAMAGUCHI Hotaru (Cerezo Osaka)
We must win tomorrow’s match, whether or not it’s our revenge. As we couldn’t find the back of the net in the previous match, I’ll stay ambitious for goals. I expect the opponent will focus on defence. So I’ll pass the ball to use the width in attack, not to mention the space behind the defenders. As the players will be tested on the pitch tomorrow, I need to continuously show off my skills and get good results. Whether I start the match, or come off the bench in the middle, it’s vital to play my role.

GK  NISHIKAWA Shusaku (Urawa Reds)
We’ve prepared ourselves well. So I’d like to enjoy the coming match, keeping a clean sheet and winning the game. When we have the ball, I’d like to contribute aggressively to pass the ball around as a Libero. If we can pass the ball from the defensive line, we can initiate good attacks. So I’ll try without fear of failure, so that I can contribute to our goals.

Bernd STANGE, the coach of Singapore National Team
Everyone is very curious to find out whether the previous match was an accident or if we can deliver another surprise. It is an excellent opportunity for the players. We are better prepared for tomorrow than our last two matches. The team is eager to earn more points to book a place in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers Round 2 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Preliminary Joint Qualification

11-12 (Thu.) - kick off at 20:15＜Japan Time＞ (subject to change) 
Singapore/National Stadium
Singapore National Team vs SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
More information

11-17 (Tue.) - kick off at 21:14＜Japan Time＞ (subject to change) 
Cambodia/National Olympic Stadium
Cambodia National Team vs SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
More information