Socceroo Milos Degenek says local discontent with the Japanese national team is so intense some of his club teammates have told him they want Australia to win Thursday’s crunch World Cup qualifier.
Pressure is mounting on Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who is reportedly facing the axe if the Samurai Blue fail to placate angry supporters by defeating the Socceroos at Saitama Stadium.
A win would send Japan through to Russia 2018 but anything else would leave their hopes hinging on a daunting trip to Saudi Arabia.
And with experienced left-back Yuto Nagatomo injured and stars like Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda no longer scaling the heights in Europe as they once did, Degenek – who plays for J-League side Yokohama F. Marinos – said there was noticeable angst in Japanese football.
“It’s kind of silly to say … I’ve had a lot of supporters from my club wish that we win,” he told reporters on Monday.
“A lot of my players who are also Japanese wish that we win.
“They’ve got different reasons which I won’t mention but they don’t all agree with the Japanese system and the coaching staff in Japan.
“From what I’ve heard the pressure’s on them and they’re not the best at dealing with pressure so we’ll see what happens.”
Defender Trent Sainsbury – who must overcome recent hamstring troubles to play – tipped Australia will be “mentally and physically above” their opponents.
“The boys are ready for it and I’m pretty sure we’re going to come away with three points with the way that we’re feeling and the boys’ attitude at the moment,” he said.
Japan are top of Group B, one point ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia, who are tied for third.
The Socceroos need a total of four points from this clash and next week’s meeting with Thailand in Melbourne to book a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Thursday’s match at the 57,768-capacity Saitama Stadium was sold out two months ago.
But Degenek said the venue will hold no terrors for the Socceroos, who have travelled the length and breadth of Asia and faced more ferocious terraces elsewhere.
“I don’t think it will be intimidating – we’ve had more hostile environments where the boys have played,” he said.
“I wasn’t there in Saudi Arabia but that would have been a bit more hostile.
“In Japan, I don’t think their fans are all that crazy enough to intimidate players that much.”
The qualification picture will become clearer after Tuesday night’s Group B clash between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which was brought forward due to a religious holiday.
chris
Guest
Yes and a loss or a draw for Japan is the same given that they play the Saudi's in the last game. That means they will go for a win as they have nothing to lose really.
Cool N Cold
Guest
UAE won Saudi 2-1 yesterday. This makes Japan's pressure released seemingly. However, this yesterday result also shows that the huge advantage of playing a home match. Saudi won 3-0 against UAE in last October at home but lost 1- 2 to UAE away. So, the pressure is still on Japan as they need to calculate that they may lose to Saudi in the last away match.
chris
Guest
Big advantage for both Aus and Japan is the Saudi v UAE match being played the day before. If the Saudis lose some pressure comes off Aus and Japan.
Lionheart
Guest
Yes, it seems the Japanese fans don't like to play a defensive game, five defending in front of goal last time we played. Really looking forward to this match. Go Socceroos!