Japan prepared for the Asian Cup with a 5-0 win over Thailand in Tokyo, as coach Hajime Moriyasu prepared to name his squad. The four-time Asian champions broke the deadlock in the second half, with Ao Tanaka scoring in front of a crowd of over 60,000. Thailand also heads to Qatar for the tournament, which kicks off on January 12. Moriyasu was set to name his 26-man squad after the game, with injured Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma doubtful to make the cut.
Brighton midfielder Wataru Endo and Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu were expected to be selected for the Thailand tournament, while Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Takefusa Kubo was also expected. Moriyasu handed debuts to Haruya Fujii, Ryotaro Ito, and Kanji Okunuki against Thailand. Japan’s best chances were a goalless first half, but changes at half-time led to an impact, with Tanaka scoring in the 50th minute.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo and Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu were expected to be selected for the Thailand tournament, while Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Takefusa Kubo was also expected. Moriyasu handed debuts to Haruya Fujii, Ryotaro Ito, and Kanji Okunuki against Thailand. Japan’s best chances were a goalless first half, but changes at half-time led to an impact, with Tanaka scoring in the 50th minute.
