Japan calls up strongest squad to play Vietnam at Asian Cup 2023

Japan is the first opponent of the Vietnamese team in the 2023 Asian Cup. The number 1 team in Asia has just announced a list of 26 players participating in the 2023 Asian Cup, including all the biggest stars who are in good form in Europe's top leagues.

The current Japanese team lineup has some changes compared to the 2022 World Cup as well as the last time they faced the Vietnamese team nearly 2 years ago. "Veterans" such as Yuto Nagatomo, Shuichi Gonda, Hiroki Sakai are no longer present.

Japan national team summoned its strongest squad to attend the 2023 Asian Cup.

However, the team nicknamed "Blue Samurai" is still very strong with the remaining stars. Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal) have both affirmed their abilities in the Premier League. Takefusa Kubo plays impressively at Real Sociedad.

The most notable name in the Japanese team is Kaoru Mitoma - the phenomenon of the Premier League last season. The Brighton player is injured but he has still been called up by coach Hajime Moriyasu. This coach still hopes that Mitoma can recover in time.

Recently, the Japanese team just won 5-0 against Thailand in a friendly match at home. Notably, coach Moriyasu did not use his strongest lineup.

Japan's form in 2023 has been excellent. They are on a 9-match unbeaten streak. The only match in which Japan scored less than 4 goals was a 2-0 win over Tunisia. In the last 4 matches, the "Blue Samurai" have not conceded a single goal.

Compared to the Vietnamese team, Japan is at a superior level. Winning points against this opponent in the opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup is very difficult for coach Philippe Troussier and his team.

Japan squad for Asian Cup 2023

Goalkeepers: Daiya Maekawa, Zion Suzuki and Taishi Brandon Nozawa

Defenders: Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Yuta Nakayama, Koki Machida, Seiya Maikuma, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito and Yukinari Sugawara

Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Takuma Asano, Hidemasa Morita, Kaoru Mitoma, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Kaishi Sano

Forwards: Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino and Mao Hosoya

Phuong Mai

Source: https://vtc.vn/nhat-ban-trieu-tap-doi-hinh-manh-nhat-dau-tuyen-viet-nam-o-asian-cup-2023-ar844889.html