AFC Asian Cup 2019: Japan prepare for semi-final against Iran

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Four-time Asian Cup champions, Japan, are preparing to take on Iran in the semi-finals at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE, on Monday night.

Japan's conservative tactics have won games if not admirers at the Asian Cup, but coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Sunday the Samurai Blue will stick to their strategy against attack-minded Iran.

Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu during a press conference at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE, January 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Japan have stuttered their way to the semi-finals in the UAE with five wins by the margin of just one goal, and Moriyasu said a sixth on Monday would suit him fine.

Japan won the last of their record four titles in 2011 with the sort of dominant performances that have become their hallmark in continental competition.

Though they have come nowhere near exerting that control in this competition so far, and later today they will face Iran in the fight to reach the final where they will face either the hosts UAE or Qatar.

Iranian coach Carlos Queiroz during a press conference at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE, January 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, Iran are busy getting ready for Japan with coach Carlos Queiroz calling on his players to stick to "Iranian football." The Persian Stars have the best defensive record at this edition of the tournament, having not conceded a single goal, while Japan have let in three.

The last time Iran won the Asian Cup was in 1976 when they hosted the continental showpiece. Their last meeting with Japan was a 2015 friendly in Tehran, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Iran are the highest ranked Asian team in the FIFA rankings, and I believe that Iran are the top team in Asia and a very strong team. I think that all the data at this Asian Cup prove that, but we always respect all of our opponents, and we try our best in every match," said Moriyasu.

"We have good teams, and we have good players, who are fantastic players also, so that's all reasons for Iran and Japan to produce showtime and entertainment," said Queiroz.