Japan must contain Bahrain’s counter attack and aim to tear down their left side, with the prospect of Mitoma’s return
National Team
Starting with their first triumph in 1992, Japan’s four Asian Cup victories are the most in the tournament’s history – Overcoming many fierce battles, Japan has achieved the status as a continental powerhouse
Japan 3-1 Indonesia: How Moriyasu’s side won comfortably Team Garuda
Japan’s thoughts after the Indonesia match: “I think it wasn’t just about getting through the group stage, it was a game for the future” – Takehiro Tomiyasu
Possible dead rubber turned into decider to qualify for the knockout round for Japan and Indonesia
Japan’s thoughts after the Iraq match: “There wasn’t a single player looking down in our locker room. We know that we must do what we have to do in the next game” – Takumi Minamino
Japan 1-2 Iraq: Ayman Hussein’s gigantic headers sink the tournament favourite Japan who scored only once despite 72% of possession and almost double figure of shots
The high quality of football shown by Vietnam came as a surprise to Japan and there were the meeting between Philippe Troussier and Hiroshi Nanami behind the scene
Japan’s thoughts after the Vietnam match: “The opponents were tough and had a clear idea of what they wanted to do. But I’m glad for my goal” – Keito Nakamura
Japan 4-2 Vietnam: Keito Nakamura netted the winner to complete a comeback win against Philippe Troussier’s side after Takumi Minamino had scored a brace
Can arguably ‘Japan’s best ever side’ win the Asian Cup title since 2011? One issue could be inexperienced custodians
Becoming an indispensable figure in Liverpool’s midfield, Wataru Endo has silenced his critics again and again
Out-of-form Daichi Kamada dropped but injured Kaoru Mitoma a surprise call-up as Japan aim for fifth Asian title
Takuma Asano: ‘I’m so proud that I’ve played a central role in Bochum and I feel like the game depends on me.’
Takumi Minamino: ‘I stand on the pitch with a sense of responsibility as a player who decides games’
Ko Itakura: ‘The condition of my leg has improved a lot, now I’m looking forward to days ahead.’