One goal 'not enough' for wasteful Japan
Jan 16, 2015 - 10:02 PM Japan's inability to convert in front of goal could come back to bite them at the Asian Cup, defender Maya Yoshida has admitted.The Samurai Blue defeated Iraq 1-0 in stifling conditions at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Friday night but should have won by far more after easily outclassing their opponents.
Despite their, at times, mesmerising build-up play, the Japanese are fast earning an unwanted reputation in world football for wasting too many scoring chances.
Their sole goal came in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot, but the man who scored - Keisuke Honda - also hit the woodwork an astonishing four times.
Yoshida, who plays his club football with English Premier League outfit Southampton, said he was pleased to have kept a clean sheet, but unhappy that his teammates in attack were unable to extend their lead.
"To be honest I was not happy with the result because we need to score second or third goals today," he said.
"Just (a) penalty was not enough.
"Sometimes it's what happens in football, so today I am satisfied defensively.
"Hopefully next time will be better."
Honda vowed to make up for his misses by hitting the back of the net in Japan's next game, on Tuesday against Jordan at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
They need just one point from that game to secure a quarter-final berth from Group D.
"I am happy to (create) three chances, but of course I have to score," said Honda, who turned in an otherwise outstanding performance.
"That's my fault. If I get chances like that next time, I can score.
"I think it's bad luck. I have to do a reflection about that.
"I will score, next game."
Honda also said that it was "too hot" to play and the high humidity in Brisbane affected his team's patterns.
"As a team it's very difficult to play speedy football," he said.
"It may be boring for the crowd but... we knew the situation so we took it positively, we had tactics to play in this situation."
Source: AAP
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