“I was worried that we might not be able to score goals early on,” said Moriyasu, who won the AFC’s top coaching accolade earlier this month. “But we played in a clean way, we were able to open them up and score.

 

“The players were really aggressive and I think that ended in the goal that was scored. We knew our opponents had studied us well, so if time goes without an opening goal it can become more difficult and the boys knew that that’s why they played in an aggressive manner from the very beginning.

 

“That was very good and that led to the opening goal that was scored.”

Ueda’s opening header was followed by a long-range strike by Daichi Kamada before two more by Ueda, with Ritsu Doan completing the scoring late on as Japan cruised to victory in their Group B opener.

 

“At halftime we were 3-0 up and I told the boys not to lose their aggressiveness and to try and go for more goals,” said Moriyasu. “I think they were able to have that motivation. We need to be aware that each match will be difficult and we need to think about what we can do individually and try, regardless of the opponent.

 

We can’t lose sight of what we are trying to achieve and try to achieve that in our performance. We need to prepare so that we’re able to do everything naturally, smoothly and be sure of what we’re trying to do.”

Myanmar head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner was pleased his players had not suffered a repeat of the 10-0 defeat they endured on their last visit to Japan and he vowed there would be an improved showing when they take on DPR Korea on Tuesday.

 

“Please allow me to still be happy even though we lost,” said the German. “We don’t expect to win against Japan. We focused on defending, we wanted to avoid another 10-0 and I guess there was still some unnecessary goals but also some big chances from Japan.

“At the end the win 5-0 was clear and was well deserved for a top team from Japan, but I’m also proud of our boys. They did their best. For us this was a lesson today, but the boys tried their best. They fought and I’m proud of our boys still even if we lost.

 

“Playing in a few days against DPR Korea is a totally different game. The approach will be different and the opponent is different. We can also play football. The last five matches we are unbeaten. We have won three matches and drawn two matches, against Nepal and Macau.

 

“We have to find the best approach for each game. Today was against the best team in the group, but in the other games we will have another approach and we hope to collect something against DPR Korea.”