Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan made little work of Thailand as they eased to a 5-0 victory over the Southeast Asian champions at Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo on New Years Day.
Several hours after the game, the former Sanfrecce Hiroshima boss announced his 26-member squad that will depart for the AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar later this month.
Several of the more prominent names were left out of this fixture due to the grueling winter demands of Europe’s big leagues. As a result, important minutes were afforded to some of the fresher faces of the national team setup. Sint-Truiden’s Ryotaro Ito was provided a start on his debut call-up for the Samurai Blue, with club teammate Zion Suzuki given the nod between the sticks.
“It was a challenge to have everyone fit for today. The J.League is in off-season at the moment and many of the Europe based members have been with their clubs until recently,” Moriyasu offered when citing the reasons behind his squad selection.
For Thailand, this was the first game played under former J.League title winning head coach, Masatada Ishii. Likewise, the former Kashima Antlers gaffer fielded something of a second-string squad with creative dynamo Chanathip Songkrasin unavailable through injury and Consadole Sapporo’s Supachok Sarachat and veteran Theerathon Bunmathan starting on the bench.
The first half played out along predictable lines. Japan dominated the ball, pinning Thailand back into their defensive third. Incisive passes through the lines in an attempt to unlock frontman Mao Hosoya appeared to be their preferred method of chance creation, although nothing clear-cut would come to fruition.
The chance of the half came at the 42nd minute as Ao Tanaka’s long-ranged effort stung the fingertips of Patiwat Khammai, who was kept busy for much of the afternoon.
The half came to a close and Thailand had done well to keep the scoreline level at 0-0; the first time Japan had been kept scoreless in a first half since their friendly against Uruguay in March of last year.
Any remanent of a New Year’s hangover was swiftly alleviated as Japan’s attacking potency began to seep through with the introduction of established quality in the shape of Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura.
The deadlock was broken at the 51st minute mark as Tanaka fired home from close range to give the hosts the lead. From there on the chances would come thick and fast for Japan as their substitutions helped forge a more complete and harmonious side.
Nakamura doubled Japan’s lead on 72 minutes after burying a rebounded Takumi Minamino effort at close range. The Thai defence was being unpicked with ease at this point with Japan in free-flow mode. Calamity struck moments later when a stray Thai foot diverted the ball into their own net following a Doan corner and Hosoya flick-on routine to make it 3-0 Japan.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima midfielder Takumu Kawamura was surely delighted to have bagged a debut goal for Japan, heading past Patiwat on the second time of asking at the 82 minute mark. Nine minutes later Minamino quelled any critique of a previously squandered 1 v 1 chance by netting Japan’s fifth in stoppage time.
“We struggled to break them down but the players rose to the task at hand,” Moriyasu said reflecting on the afternoon’s turn of events.
“We strived to find a way through and in the end, we managed to score five as a result of this determination.”
Despite the heavy loss, Ishii felt there was much to take away from his first visit to Japan as Thailand boss.
“This is not an ideal result but it is one that can connect to a favorable Asian Cup campaign,” he said.
“From here the focus will be on producing performances that lead to goals and wins. I believe my players have the required ability and it is my job to pull it out of them as we return to camp in Thailand prepare for Qatar.”
Afterwards, at 6:30pm local time, Moriyasu announced his squad of 26 for this edition of the Asian Cup. To the bewilderment of many was the omission of Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi, whose recent goal against cross-city rivals Rangers helped steer the Hoops to Old Firm victory this past weekend.
Despite scoring on the afternoon, Ao Tanaka was also left out of the selection to some surprise. However, the transfer rumor mill has him linked with a prestigious move to an elite European side. Being unavailable for January and February is likely to dampen his appeal.
The curious inclusion of Brighton’s Karou Mitoma has roused concern amongst the coaching ranks at his home club, Brighton.
Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi reacted with bemusement upon hearing the news of his selection:
“I’m really surprised because my medical staff told me Mitoma needs four to six weeks for his injury. For me, it’s difficult to think he can play in the Asian Cup.”
Although, with this timeline Mitoma is potentially available from the quarter-finals onwards. Questions regarding his match fitness and condition are best left for team doctors and physicians, however.
The day’s events played out whilst tragedy was unfolding on the opposite side of the country.
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the west Japan prefecture of Ishikawa with devastating effect. Moriyasu voiced an unwavering message of support to all those effected.
“We saw the news in the dressing room after the game. I am unsure of the scale of the disaster but we hope those affected are safe and there is no severe impact. We are prepared to offer support in any way we can.”
Photo: JFA
