Moriyasu Warns of “Different” Tunisia as Japan Eyes First Win at World Cup Milestone

Japan ready for fired-up Tunisia in World Cup’s 1000th match under Monterrey sun

Japan chase first World Cup win vs a new-look Tunisia coached by Herve Renard. The 1000th World Cup game follows Japan’s 2-2 draw with Netherlands and Tunisia’s 5-1 thrashing by Sweden.

Herve Renard’s new Tunisia aim to bounce back vs Japan in historic World Cup clash...

Japan coach Moriyasu says his team must step up after the opening game. Japan want more after their first match. 

Japan coach Moriyasu said his side need to improve after the opening match. Japan look for more after their first match.

“The Netherlands ‌played very well, and so did our team, but we are not completely satisfied,” Moriyasu told reporters on Friday. “Therefore, for the match against Tunisia, I believe ‌everyone is convinced that we need to win.”

Tunisia have a new coach since the 5-1 loss to Sweden. Herve Renard replaced fellow Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi after he was sacked, and Moriyasu said Japan are preparing for a different team.

“I’m sure that the team is different from the team that went against Sweden. The new head coach is definitely firing up the players,” Moriyasu added, saying Tunisia had individual quality and a solid defensive structure that could test his side.

“They do have solid defence, and they look into the gaps in the opponents so that they could tie that into a scoring position.”

Japan opened in Dallas, where Moriyasu said the stadium air conditioning stood out. Monterrey will be a much tougher test.

 

“Here, the environment is very different. It is hotter here. And so for the players, it would be a more difficult environment,” he said, adding that Japan had anticipated the weather conditions and trained to deal with them.

Saturday’s clash also has history attached. Japan vs Tunisia will be the 1,000th match in World Cup history.

“We want to make sure that it ‌is a brilliant game which is going to be worthy of being the 1,000th game of the World Cup,” Moriyasu said.

Moriyasu was also questioned about Japan’s tradition of players and fans tidying stadiums and dressing rooms, a habit that’s gone viral at big tournaments worldwide.

“Many Japanese know that they want to leave the place in a better state than before,” he said.

“Always ⁠helping each other, doing something ⁠together, working together. That's something ‌that the Japanese do.”