AFC U-16 Championship Quarters: Red-hot Japan leaving nothing to chance

PANAJI: Japan are not taking anything for granted in the AFC U-16 Championship despite scoring heavily at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim.
Japan have scored 21 goals in their three group games and are yet to concede a goal, but coach Yoshiro Moriyama warned his players that complacency could be their biggest opponent in their quarterfinal clash against United Arab Emirates at GMC Stadium, Bambolim, on Sunday.
"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 the Japan coach.
Japan are overwhelming favourites to win this edition of the championship but the former champions are aware that they have been knocked out earlier in the competition. In the last edition for example, Japan lost to Korea Republic in the quarterfinals and consequently missed out on a place at the FIFA under-17 World Cup.
“During the last three games, there were times when we struggled but we had to remain patient. We have a good attacking side and the defenders too have been solid. Our good combination has been the reason for our success,” said Moriyama.
Victory against UAE will earn Japan a fifth appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“The thought of missing the World Cup is scary. It will be a huge loss for our young players. Nobody wants to miss out on that.
“We cannot afford to be overconfident. It will be tough against UAE. They did not lose any match in the group stage. I just want the players to relax and not think too much about the World Cup,” said the Japan coach.