Japan forced to take cabs to training

Sep 4, 2017 - 3:12 AM Japan's players had to scramble to training in taxis ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia after their team bus failed to show up at their hotel.

The hosting federation bear responsibility for a visiting team's logistics but the Samurai Blue, who have already booked their ticket to Russia, put a positive spin on the inconvenience ahead of Tuesday's match in Jeddah.

"I don't think I've ever shared a taxi with teammates (to the training ground), not even in my youth team days," defender Tomoaki Makino said in comments published by Kyodo news agency.

"But there are a lot of experienced players in our team and you have to enjoy this kind of situation. You can't let it wind you up."

Japan Football Association officials told Kyodo the bus was stuck in traffic caused by the end of the Haj pilgrimage.

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic and his players eventually made it to Al-Ahli Saudi FC's home stadium where practice began 20 minutes late.

Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima said his team remained focused despite the snag.

"It was an enjoyable trip and there's nothing wrong with experiencing (something like that) for the first time," he said.

"Whether or not it was intentional, I don't know, but there is no point in getting stressed out about it. We just have to keep our focus on the task at hand."

Saudi Arabia have the same number of points as Australia in Group B but are in second spot behind Japan because of a superior goal differential (two goals).

Australia are hoping for Japan to take points off the Saudis which will then leave the Socceroos requiring just victory against Thailand in Melbourne on Tuesday to advance to next year's showpiece in Russia.

If the Saudis defeat Japan, Ange Postecoglou's men have to score a convincing win over the Thais and hope to make up a two-goal deficit in goal difference.

The third-placed side in the group can still qualify for Russia but must negotiate a torturous series of playoffs.

Source: AAP