Persistence pays off as Japan warms up for Asian Cup with winThailand's Nico Mickelsen (right) tries to defend against Japan's Mao Hosoya (center) during the New Year’s Day international football friendly match between Japan and Thailand at the National Stadium in Tokyo on January 1, 2024. TOKYO – Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his team's persistence after they warmed up for this month's Asian Cup with a 5-0 friendly win over Thailand in Tokyo on Monday. Japan will start as one of the favorites to win the Asian Cup in Qatar, and Moriyasu warned that they will need to show the same spirit when the tournament kicks off on January 12. Moriyasu fielded an inexperienced lineup missing several overseas-based players against a Thailand side that is also heading to the Asian Cup. Japan have been drawn in Group D at the Asian Cup and will face Indonesia, Iraq and Vietnam in the first round.

Source: Philippine Star January 02, 2024 03:58 UTC