Japan national team striker Junya Ito (Stade de Reims) told local media outlet Football Zone on Thursday (June 14), "We will beat Vietnam properly no matter who comes out. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) is out with injury, but it's an opportunity for Keito Nakamura (Reims). "I have plenty of motivation. I believe in the power of the Japanese national team."

ESPN and Eurosport are among the favorites to win the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup. Japan is ranked No. 17 by FIFA and No. 1 in Asia. Since June, the team has won nine consecutive A matches to raise its profile. In their final evaluation match against Jordan on Sept. 9, they won 6-1 despite playing a mix of starters and reserves.

The Japanese locals are already confident of victory in their first match against Vietnam. "Japan, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu (56), is on a nine-game winning streak," said Football Zone. It will be interesting to see how they showcase their deep bench against Vietnam."

Key striker Mitoma has been confirmed out. According to Football Zone, Moriyasu himself said, "Mitoma will not play against Vietnam," at an official press conference on March 13. In his place, Nakamura will start on the left wing, according to the outlet.

"Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal) are still working on their fitness," said Football Zone, "but a trio of players from the French Ligue 1 will play against Vietnam. Nakamura, Ito and Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco). Endo's participation is uncertain, but Hidemasa Morita (Sporting CP), a key member of the Japanese national team, is available."카지노사이트가이드

Japanese outlet Football Channel offered a similar analysis. "Mitoma and Kubo are unlikely to start," the outlet said, adding, "The French trio is expected to make an impact. Ito, Minamino, and Nakamura all have different strengths. Kubo is not the entirety of Japan's strength. The performance of these three will be essential to win the title."

In the previous edition of the tournament, Japan reached the final before falling to hosts Qatar. Confident in their golden generation and on a winning streak in the A-match, Japan will be aiming for the title at the 2023 tournament.

Under the tournament rules, Japan could face Klinsmann in the final. South Korea will be aiming for their first Asian title in 64 years. With a formidable roster that includes Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), they are considered by many to be the favorites.