AFC - Iran are determined to
bounce back from their opening AFC U-19 Championship loss to Saudi Arabia in
their second Group A contest against Japan on Sunday, according to coach
Nenad Nikolic.
Iran were denied a point as tournament hosts Saudi Arabia netted a late
winner in their 2-1 triumph on Friday, while Japan opened their account with
a comfortable 5-0 win over tournament newcomers Yemen.
Defeat for Iran could lead to an early elimination and Nikolic admits he
must raise his deflated side.
"I must change the mentality of my side as the last match is finished," said
the Croatian.
"I think we have a chance but I must prepare my players. We must play for a
win."
Nikolic struggled to explain why his side failed to fire against the hosts
and put on a below par display, but he hopes the Iran team which meets Japan
will be unrecognisable from the one which took to the field against Saudi
Arabia.
"I believe my team is good and against Japan you will see the new face of
Iran," he added.
Japan coach Tatsuya Makiuchi expects a truer test of his side's championship
credentials than the opening fixture against Yemen.
Seeking their first title after finishing as runners-up on six occasions,
Japan cruised to the top of Group A on goal difference, but Makiuchi expects
a sterner test in the remaining group games.
"I understand Iran and Saudi Arabia are very strong teams and although we
got a good result against Yemen the next match will be very tough," he said.
Japan enjoyed a purple patch in their opening match with three goals in five
minutes early in the second half sealing victory.
The goals put a gloss on the score line but it was not the serene
performance the result suggested as there were weaknesses in Japan's armour
which Yemen could not exploit as they were chasing the game - but Makiuchi
is all too aware a stronger opponent would punish his side.
"We will check our game and tactics - in attack and defence - and we will
check the fitness of our players in training," he added.
"We don't have much information on Saudi or Iran and but we will watch their
match carefully."
Yoichiro Kakitani was injured early on against Yemen but could return,
although his replacement Kensuke Nagai had a fine game which included a goal
off the bench.
