DOHA: Four-time champion Japan will face Bahrain in a Round of 16 match on Wednesday.
The Blue Samurais qualified for the knockout rounds with a second placed finish in Group D despite a 2-1 loss against Iraq on Matchday Two that condemned them to the runners-up slot, setting up the meeting with Group E winners Bahrain.
But a lack of their usual fluency and defensive deficiencies that have seen them fail to keep a clean sheet so far in the competition have seen hopes of success for Moriyasu’s team called into question.
“It’s a sign of respect for us when people say we are struggling because that shows we have high expectations placed on us,” said Moriyasu. “People know that we can play better.
“But Asian teams are growing, not only us. All Asian countries are growing and getting more competitive and the gap between the top teams and the lower teams has been cut.”
