AFC U23 Asian Cup
The Belgium-based Fujita captained the team in their opening 1-0 win over China PR but has not started since as Oiwa has given the majority of his squad the opportunity to feature in the group phase, with the Japanese advancing as second place finishers from Group B.
But with the competition now in the knockout phase and the prospect of three intense games over the next 10 days for the teams that feature in the final on May 3, Fujita believes the Japanese are ready for the task ahead.
“My performance has not been so good, but in terms of my teammates they did very well and they did their best,” the St-Truiden midfielder said of Japan’s group phase showing.
“I expect from my teammates, if we can play the way we have played, we have the opportunity to get the trophy, so we’ll continue to try to do our best in the tournament.
“We have a good relationship among all our teammates, and if we change the starting line-up we have quality in the team. So I think it doesn’t matter who plays from the beginning.”
#AFCU23 | Group B : Japan 0 - 1 Korea Republic
While the Japanese will be taking on a host nation backed by the vast majority within the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Fujita has called on his teammates to embrace the challenge that lies ahead of them.
“It’s going to be a tough game because we have to play at their stadium and maybe it will be full,” he said. “We’ll just try to play football with a smile and enjoy it.
“In terms of their midfielders, they have good quality because most of their players have had the experience to play for the full national team. We also have good quality in midfield, so I think it’s also difficult for us and for them.
“We need to be aggressive with our attack and defence.”
Qatar defender Mohamed Aiash admitted to being wary of Japan’s set-piece prowess as he looks to help lead his nation into the semi-finals for the third time in the competition’s history.
“We are very happy and thankful we have qualified through a very difficult stage because it was a difficult group,” he said. “Japan are a very strong team, they’re one of the favourites to win the tournament."
#AFCU23 | Group A : Qatar 0 - 0 Australia
“We play as a collective and we are very keen and determined to make it through to the next stage. Japan have very good elements and players, but hopefully we’re ready and we can make it through to the next stage.
“We have analysed the Japan team and the set pieces they have focused on and we will try to reduce their capabilities regarding set pieces. That’s all we can do.”
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