Zacch not all about Japan attack

Japan are the Asian Cup’s leading scorers, but Alberto Zaccheroni believes his defence could be decisive in the semi-final with South Korea.

Zaccheroni’s side have scored 11 goals in the tournament, including five without reply in their thrashing of 2007 finalists Saudi Arabia.

But the veteran Italian coach suspects the clash between two of the Asia’s heavyweights could well be edged by the team that keeps it tighter at the back.

“I am happy that we have scored the most in this competition,” Zaccheroni said.

“The style we are aiming for is not just attacking. We need to be well balanced to face our opponent in the fight.”

“We like to face every team with bravery but what we can do depends on the matches. Sometimes you need to think about where you make the defensive line but our aim is always the same, which is to play with bravery.”

Zaccheroni will be forced into changes for the semi-final in Doha’s Al-Gharafa Stadium, with the loss of Maya Yoshida to suspension offset by the return of Atsuto Uchida.

“In the last match Daiki Iwamasa came on to go in central defence, while Uchida has the experience as well and normally plays in the team, so it will not be a problem,” he said.

The former AC Milan and Juventus coach is well aware of the long-running rivalry between the two semi-final opponents.

But he believes the focus should remain on the current players ahead of Tuesday’s clash, with a place in the final of the Asian Football Confederation’s elite competition at stake.

“Since I arrived in Japan I knew of the connection between them and Korea, but I think not only Korea but all teams are rivals for us,” he said.

“We are very similar types of teams and we both have young players here. Both teams want to take the initiative in the match with a lot of variation in attacking play. It will be a very tight match.”