Japan and Iran will play the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup at 8:30 p.m. on the 3rd (Korea time) at Education City Stadium in Alayyan, Qatar.
As it is a single-round match in a tournament, many variables are expected to emerge. Like the match between Korea and Australia, it can become a fierce physical battle until overtime. It could lead to a penalty shootout. You must play to the end without being swayed under any circumstances.
What Japan needs is to reduce the number of runs. He has never recorded a clean sheet from the group stage to the round of 16. It is clear that he has a defensive weakness, but goalkeeper Suzuki’s lack of stability is also a problem.
Sports Hochi, a Japanese media outlet, said on Sunday that Suzuki started four consecutive games from the group stage. He gave up four goals in set piece and allowed a total of six goals. He is most likely to start in five consecutive games.
Suzuki said, “Even if we concede a goal, there are many players who can score, and it will change the flow of the game. It is important to play until the end without being embarrassed by the goal we conceded.”
Iran is not at full capacity at the moment. Its main striker Medi Taremi was sent off due to accumulation of violations. He will not be able to play in the upcoming match. However, Sardar Azmoun is certain to threaten Japan’s goal. Suzuki said, “He is a powerful player. He can run with the ball, and shoots when he does not expect it. We should be ready that he always tries to shoot.”
He can also face his first penalty shootout in his life. According to the media, Suzuki has never experienced a penalty shootout since he became a professional. Nevertheless, Suzuki smiled while showing off his confidence. “I saw Iran beat Syria in a penalty shootout. We have great kickers. Our strategy is important. We just have to play with a firm mindset.”
BY: 스포츠토토핫