Tue Sep 10 15:27:56 UTC 2024: ## Japan Cautious Despite Dominant Win, Eyeing Revenge Against Bahrain in World Cup Qualifiers
**TOKYO (Reuters)** – Despite a resounding 7-0 victory over China in their opening World Cup qualifier match, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has issued a warning to his team ahead of their upcoming clash against Bahrain. The Samurai Blue will face the surprise victors of Australia in Riffa on Tuesday, following Bahrain’s unexpected 1-0 win against the Socceroos.
Moriyasu, while acknowledging the impressive performance against China, stressed that the result doesn’t guarantee qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He highlighted the importance of staying focused, drawing attention to Bahrain’s momentum after their victory over a higher-ranked Australia.
“This win doesn’t guarantee that we will qualify or mean anything before the Bahrain game,” said Moriyasu. “We should not forget to prepare at our best going into the remaining matches. The Australia-Bahrain result confirms how difficult the first match in these Asian qualifiers can be and we should never feel relaxed.”
The Japanese manager further emphasized the need to avoid complacency, remembering their 3-1 win against Bahrain in the Asian Cup earlier this year. He urged his team to be prepared for a tough match in Bahrain, where the home side will be eager to build on their initial victory.
“Bahrain will have momentum with that win and it’s going to be a home game for them, so we just need to be aware of that going into the match,” stated Moriyasu. “We have to be very flexible and maximize the ability of the individual players on the pitch.”
The match against Bahrain will be a crucial test for Japan, who are seeking their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. With the stakes high, Moriyasu’s cautious approach highlights the competitive nature of the Asian qualifiers and the importance of staying vigilant throughout the campaign.
First Piper 