UAE all geared up for Japan clash

Panaji: United Arab Emirates will have their hands full when they take on Japan in their AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 quarterfinal clash at the GMC stadium, Bambolim on Sunday.
Twentyone goals from three league games is no ordinary feat. Not that the opponents were inferior. It’s just that the Japanese are calm, methodical, clinical and blessed with a host of accurate marksmen whose consistency is remarkable, hence the slew of goals.Add to those qualities their pace which can be stepped up whenever the occasion demands and the use of both feet by most and you have a very potent squad.
On the other hand, UAE though impressive with wins over India and Saudi Arabia before surprising Iran with a draw, they will need to pull up their socks in midfield and defence. India almost upset them but for that late winner (3-2) and a goal each conceded against Iran and Saudi Arabia, makes their defence a bit suspect. Only an error-free performance at the rear and some good finishing by UAE will ensure a positive outcome.
“Despite our performances in the group stage, we will not be overconfident coming into our quarter-final game. We know that it’s going to be tough,” said Japanese coach Yoshiro Moriyama.
“UAE is a difficult team and have not lost any games in the group stages and, while we’re happy we won our group, the competition is going to be totally different now that we’re into the knockout phase.
“Of course, it’s going to be a big match, so there is a lot of pressure on us. I just want to tell the players to manage that pressure and focus on our game,” added Moriyama.
The Japanese knows the pain of losing a spot in the World Cup when they were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the 2014 AFC Championships by the Korea Republic.
UAE, hosts in 2013, are seeking their maiden entry to the World Cup on merit since the victory over Australia in 2008 in the last eight stage.