ABU DHABI (REUTERS) - Japan captain Maya Yoshida says his side must learn from their painful Asian Cup final defeat and use the experience to make a breakthrough at the next World Cup by getting beyond the last 16 for the first time.
Japan had been looking for a fifth Asian title but were stunned 3-1 in the final by Qatar in the United Arab Emirates on Friday (Feb 1).
Invited to take part in the Copa America in June and July, and with their qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup set to begin in September, there is little time for Japan to reflect on their disappointment.
"Our first target is, of course, to qualify for the World Cup, and then get over the wall at which we were stopped last time, the round of 16. That is an objective for Japanese football," Yoshida said after the final.
"In order to do that, we have the Copa America coming up and then in the autumn the World Cup qualifiers, and we have to make sure we learn from this defeat.
"We have to capitalise upon this experience looking ahead to what comes next. Of course I'm disappointed, but we have to look forward."
Yoshida said he felt a sense of responsibility for the surprise defeat by Qatar, who will host the World Cup in 2022.
"For the first and second goals, we conceded from a player right in front of me, and I really feel a big sense of regret that I wasn't able to lead the team to the title," he added.
Both Japan and Qatar will compete in Brazil as invitees when the Copa America starts on June 14.
Japan is also building towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with coach Hajime Moriyasu saying in the past he was aiming to match or better Japan's bronze medal achieved in 1968.
Despite originally considering sending an Under-23 squad to Brazil in preparation for the Olympics, the Japanese Football Association announced in December it would be sending a full-strength squad.
Japan's next fixture is a friendly against Colombia on March 22.
Atletico denied long-awaited win over Barca, Eibar stun Real. EIBAR, Nov 25 — Atletico Madrid came within a whisker of their first league win over Barcelona in eight years yesterday only for Ousmane Dembele to dash their hopes with a dramatic equaliser in injury-time.
Sevilla keep pressure on Real, Barca with win; Atleti snatch
[A] pictute of banks working side-by-side with 1MDB as it accumulated worrying levels of debt and became the subject of growing controversy which, in the words of the Swiss financial regulator, looks like a case of "blatant and massive corruption". U.S. authorities have asked the banks to provide details of their dealings with the fund.
Singapore - The Full Wiki
I trust him - Solskjaer refusing to drop struggling De Gea When asked if he was considering taking De Gea out of his starting line-up, Solskjaer replied: "No, not at all. I trust David.
I trust him - Solskjaer refusing to drop struggling De Gea
MILAN: European football governing body UEFA said Friday that the correct anti-racism protocol had not been followed during the Italian league game between Inter Milan and Napoli midweek amid repeated abuse of Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Spurs poised for new era as they officially open new stadium Pochettino says club now have the infrastructure in place to compete with the best
Tottenham's new stadium roof lift will weigh 600 tonnes
Breaking news headlines about Video Assistant Referees linking to 1,000s of websites from around the world
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup Despite Team Melli's strong World Cup showing, Iranian football authorities opted not to offer him a new four-year contract -- a
Iran coach Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup
Tottenham Hotspur showed why manager Mauricio Pochettino is a wanted man by thrashing Everton 6-2 at Goodison Park on Sunday to close to within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Spurs have had to cope with the unwanted attention of Pochettino being linked with the Manchester United job following Jose Mourinho's sacking this week.
Spurs shine to hit Everton for six | The Guardian Nigeria
Hazard's Chelsea future in doubt, Real move mooted, Football
Blueprint to beat Manchester United, Football News & Top
A 92nd-minute goal from midfielder Victor Camarasa and a penalty save from goalkeeper Neil Etheridge ensured Cardiff City beat Leicester City 1-0 for their first away victory of the Premier League
0 comments:
Post a Comment