Coach Herve Renard stated Saudi Arabia are in a “tough sprint” to succeed in the 2026 World Cup however he isn’t anticipating any favours from already certified Japan on Tuesday.
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The Saudis are in third place in Group C within the third spherical of Asian qualifying and path second-place Australia by a degree with three video games remaining.
The highest two groups advance on to subsequent yr’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, whereas the third- and fourth-place sides go into one other qualifying spherical.
Runaway group leaders Japan have already clinched their place and Renard shouldn’t be anticipating them to take their foot off the gasoline once they face his Saudi aspect in Saitama.
“It’s a tough sprint for the second position,” the French coach stated on Monday.
“Concerning Japan, we know they are disciplined. We know their philosophy so there is no doubt they will play this game at 100 percent.”
Renard led the Saudis to a well-known victory over eventual winners Argentina on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and he returned for a second stint in October final yr when Roberto Mancini was fired.
The Saudis picked up their first win in 5 qualifiers once they beat China 1-0 at residence final week to maneuver three factors away from Indonesia, Bahrain and China.
They nonetheless should journey to play Bahrain within the group earlier than internet hosting Australia of their ultimate match.
First the Saudis should face a rampant Japan, who’ve received six and drawn considered one of their seven video games up to now and punched their World Cup ticket with a 2-0 win over Bahrain final week.
“We know we are playing against a very strong team but there are only three games remaining so it’s very important for us,” stated Renard.
“We need to be ready to have a tough game but in football you have to believe in ourself and to believe in our qualification.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu stated he would shuffle his pack to face the Saudis, with striker Ayase Ueda and midfielder Hidemasa Morita having already returned to their golf equipment.
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is a doubt after lacking coaching on Monday.
Japan captain Wataru Endo stated “who wants to win the game will be more important than tactics”.
“They are in a tough spot and they need to get a result, they want the three points,” stated the Liverpool midfielder.
“We need to want it more than them. We’re aiming to win the World Cup and we need to give everything in this game.”
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