Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ras Al Khaimah: Japan boss Yasushi Yoshida wasn't reading too much into his side's lacklustre display against the UAE as the East Asians grinded out a goalless draw that was enough to see them through to the quarter-finals as Group A runners-up.
Japan's 0-0 draw, which followed a 1-0 win over Kuwait and a 2-0 defeat to Iran, saw them finish second in the standings behind Iran, setting up a quarter-final clash with Group B winners Iraq.
"This performance was created by the circumstances," Yoshida (pictured) explained in the post-match press conference.
"The UAE are the hosts and they needed a win to progress. We were playing against the home support so we had to be on our guard.
"I had made our players aware of the situation and instructed them to keep a close watch on their attack and they were composed but on occasions they were made to work hard by the UAE forwards.
"We are through from a strong group with good defenders so we struggled to score goals but I am confident they will come in the knockout stages."
The UAE meanwhile bow out of the competition despite going through the campaign unbeaten following 1-1 draws against Iran and Kuwait prior to Wednesday's draw at Emirates Club Stadium.
But that impressive record was little comfort for UAE coach Eid Baroot, who expressed his sadness at not being able to get the win that would take the hosts through to the knockout stage.
"There was no lack of commitment and my team is still unbeaten in 13 matches but it hurts when you are out of any competition being played at home," he said.
"These players have bright future but the local clubs must give them opportunities and exposure at the top level. You can see there are around four players of this squad who are already playing from the national team in Iran and there are few in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia so we must give our boys the same exposure."