Japan wary as they look to batter Thailand minnows

Picture taken on September 6, 2016 shows Japan's Gotoku Sakai (right) fighting for the ball with Thailand's Teerasil Dangda (left) during their World Cup 2018 first leg qualifying match in Bangkok. Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic has told his players they will "carry the future of Japanese football on their shoulders" when they face Thailand in a World Cup qualifier on March 28, 2017. PHOTO | MUNIR UZ ZAMAN |

What you need to know:

  • Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic has told his players they will "carry the future of Japanese football on their shoulders" when they face Thailand in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
  • No pressure there, then.
  • Further turning up the heat on his own side, the firebrand Franco-Bosnian also warned Monday against over-confidence, insisting that the visitors were more than capable of punishing any slackness from Japan.

TOKYO

Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic has told his players they will "carry the future of Japanese football on their shoulders" when they face Thailand in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

No pressure there, then.

Further turning up the heat on his own side, the firebrand Franco-Bosnian also warned Monday against over-confidence, insisting that the visitors were more than capable of punishing any slackness from Japan.

"We must not underestimate Thailand," Halilhodzic told reporters in Saitama.

"I've watched all their games and they can play. We will need to be focused and put in a real shift."

Halilhodzic has taken pains to keep Japan grounded since last week's 2-0 victory in the United Arab Emirates moved them closer to a sixth successive World Cup.

The Blue Samurai are level on points with Saudi Arabia at the top of Group B and are expected to brush aside Thailand, even with captain Makoto Hasebe sidelined with a knee injury.

"Winning in the Emirates has put us in a privileged position," said Halilhodzic. "But it will mean nothing if we blow it against Thailand."

Japan trail Saudi Arabia on goal difference, with both teams on 13 points from six games and four to play in the final round of Asian qualifying for the 2018 Russia World Cup.

"Fame and majesty rest on this game," Halilhodzic waxed lyrically. His team are trying to strengthen their grip on one of the group's two automatic qualifying spots ahead of Asian Cup holders Australia, who lurk behind them in third.

"We have the future of Japanese football on our shoulders, so we have to fight for it.

"People seem to think Thailand will be pushovers," added the 64-year-old. "Well, they won't be. We will need to show real heart."

Further injuries to midfielder Yasuyuki Konno and forward Yuya Osako have added an unwanted twist to Japan's preparations, exposing a worrying lack of depth to the former Asian champions.

"We don't have a player who can carry the team," admitted Halilhodzic. "There isn't a player who will dribble past five defenders. But if the players aren't motivated, then there's a problem.

"We are in a difficult moment but it's up to the team to come together and step up."