Hajime Moriyasu: “We are under a lot of pressure, but ready to play against Spain”

AL RAYYAN (QATAR), 30 Nov. (dpa/EP) –

The Japan soccer coach, Hajime Moriyasu, admitted that they are “under a lot of pressure” ahead of this Thursday’s duel against Spain in the World Cup in Qatar in which they need to win to secure their place in the round of 16 without depending on anyone .

“We are under a lot of pressure, but we have to believe in ourselves. Each one of us has to play better than on Sunday (in the loss against Costa Rica),” Moriyasu warned at the previous press conference.

The Japanese coach acknowledged that he has “some players” who are “tired after two games” and that they must “manage it” with the last training session. “We have a good team and we are prepared to face Spain,” he stressed.

For his part, goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda also showed faith for the game. “If we win, we go through, the situation is totally clear and that’s positive for us. Our goal is to progress and reach the quarterfinals,” he said.