After having cruised through Group F with three wins, Japan will face their toughest test so far in the form of Saudi Arabia but Moriyasu believes his team are ready.
“After our three games in the group stage, we are now well prepared to face our opponents (Saudi Arabia) and the players will show their best on the field,” said Moriyasu, who took charge of Japan after the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
“We have used 22 players during the group stage and this has brought us to the knockout round. And we’re looking at the quarter-finals now.”
Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men have shown how effective they can be on counter-attacks but Moriyasu said he isn’t worried about that aspect of Saudi Arabia’s game.
“My players are confident and we have analysed their matches. Having said that, the Saudi game is going to be the most difficult as they are strong opponents.”
The 50-year-old also stressed that despite scoring six goals thus far, it is also important to keep clean sheets.
“Scoring is important but not conceding against an opponent like Saudi is equally important but we won’t be too defensive.
“Anything can happen on the field but my players know what they have to do and they need to play as a unit.
“I’m sure the Saudi team are very motivated, after losing their last match (against Qatar). We have to prepare mentally in order to win. Saudi have strong individual players and are a good team. They can be aggressive in attack and in defence as well, so we must be prepared for that.”
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