Japan Confirms To Be A Strong Candidate To Win The 2023 Asian Cup

Hajime Moriyasu, Japan's coach, is targeting the 2023 Asian Cup winner (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - Japan became one of the strong opponents of the Indonesian national team in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. The Blue Samurai troops from the start emphasized that they were candidates for the biggest tournament champion between Asian countries.

Hajime Moriyasu's team have always won in the last 10 matches played by Japan in all competitions. In detail, eight test matches and two World Cup Qualification parties in 2026.

Most recently, they beat Jordan with a landslide score of 6-1 on January 9, 2024.

Amazingly, the victory was achieved when Hajime Moriyasu was trying out the concept of playing and players. He even fielded two different squads in each round.

"Very positive. We can test our concept as a team both in attack and defense," said Moriyasu.

Moriyasu does not seem big-headed. However, Japan's performance before exploring its feet in the 2023 Asian Cup indirectly asserted their strength as a candidate for champion.

Samurai Blue even always scored at least five goals in the last four matches before the 2023 Asian Cup.

Japan is the favorite to win the 2023 Asian Cup. They became the most successful team with a collection of four titles.

Of course, the Blue Samurai are eyeing a fifth title to extend the record for the most successful team in the Asian Cup.

Meanwhile, Japan is in Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup with the Indonesian, Vietnamese and Iraqi national teams. They will open a group stage trip against Vietnam on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Furthermore, Japan will serve Iraq (19/1/2024) and finally meet the Indonesian national team on January 24, 2024.