Son-spurred Koreans face Samurai threat at Asian Cup

While street-wise South Korea pack a harder punch, former Japan coach Philippe Troussier has tipped the Blue Samurai to push their fierce rivals all the way at the Asian Cup.

"Japan have one of the best teams in the competition on paper," the Frenchman told AFP before hosts United Arab Emirates meet Bahrain in Saturday's opening match.

"Of course teams like South Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia have the same ambition, but Japan has the potential to win the title."
"But all the players need to be at it."
"Our job is to try and snatch the title back."
- Hezbollah and crocodiles - ============================
"It's also a good chance to prepare the younger generation for the next World Cup in 2022."
"We must be protected from crocodiles."
- Korean firepower -
====================