China Vs Japan: Endo's Call for a Strong Start in World Cup Qualifiers
Facing Challenges in World Cup Qualifiers
As Japan prepares for their opening match against China in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, captain Wataru Endo stresses the importance of leveraging past frustrations from their recent Asian Cup campaign. Japan, ranked highest in Asia, needs to avoid repeating mistakes from earlier qualifiers, where they faced unexpected defeats.
China's Tactical Approach
China, led by coach Branko Ivankovic, enters this crucial match with aspirations of making an impact. Having only qualified for the World Cup once, their determination to secure a strong performance against Japan is palpable. The Croatian coach acknowledges Japan's stature in Asia while insisting that “everything is possible” in football.
Players to Watch
- Kaoru Mitoma - Recently returned from injury, he is key to Japan's attacking play.
- Junya Ito - After resolving off-field issues, his presence strengthens Japan’s forward line.
The match in Saitama promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a strong start in the qualifying round.
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