Japan take on Iraq in semis

A close contest is on the cards as highly-rated Japan take on Iraq in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship at GMC Stadium here tomorrow.
Two-time Japan put up an impressive performance in the group stage scoring 21 goals before they manage to score 1-0 win over UAE in the quarter-finals.
Iraq, on the other hand, had beaten Uzbekistan 2-0 in the quarterfinals, and they are strong contenders for the title. In fact, this Iraq team was champions of AFC U-14 Championships two years ago and so they are definitely one of the best teams of this generation.
"I saw their quarter-final against Uzbekistan and thought that they are a really good team. Individually they are skilled, and also play well as a group," said Japan coach Moriyama.

"It will be a tough match, but I believe that the key point for the coming match will be how to stop their aggressive offence."
Group B winners Japan are appearing in the semi-finals for the first time since 2012, having previously won the AFC U-16 Championship in 1994 and 2006.

"Of course we want to win the tournament, and I believe that we have a chance. However, we want to think one game at a time, so all of our focus right now is to win the next game," added Moriyama.
Iraq coach Qahtan Chitheer believes that the last three years of work with the side will continue to bear fruit in India, even against an opponent as daunting as Japan.

"Japan is a good team with exceptional players and it's obvious they play a high level of football. But I believe we have a good chance in this game and we will look to implement an effective strategy and tactics to combat them," said Chitheer.
"We will also look back at all the faults we as a team may have shown so far in this tournament and will look for solutions to our own problems," he said.
"We are very proud to represent Arab football, as we are the last remaining Arab country in this competition, so we will try very hard to reach the final.