Head coach of China Branko Ivankovic (R) attends a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
XIAMEN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Tuesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier, Chinese team head coach Branko Ivankovic has vowed his players will fight with no fear against the group leader Japan at home.
After losing first three rounds including a 7-0 humiliated defeat to Japan, Ivankovic's side bounced back to win two consecutive matches over Indonesia and Bahrain, raising to the fourth place in the group with six points.
"We started the opening round with a big loss in Japan, and I was glad to see my players overcome the challenges and improved their performances match by match. Now we are level with Australia, Saudi Arabia with six points, and I am satisfied with it considering efficiency," Ivankovic said.
"There is no need to mention that Japan is a world-class team. I believe our players will be ready at home, and they will fight with no fear," he noted. "If we can fight on the pitch, anything could be possible."
Ivankovic also mentioned that striker Zhang Yuning, who scored winning goal against Bahrain, as well as full back Li Lei will miss the game due to injuries. "We will trust all the players whoever on the pitch. We will stick with our tactics and formation. I believe our young players will improve in the high-level matches," he added.
The Japanese side now has 13 points with four wins and one draw, seven points ahead of Australia, Saudi Arabia and China. However, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu appeared cautious, noting that his team should forget the 7-0 win in the first leg.
"In the first leg, we enjoyed the home field advantage and won the match by a big margin. However, it doesn't mean that we can win easily tomorrow," Moriyasu said. "It will be a tough away game for us. China has won two consecutive matches, and their players are in good form."
"We need to focus on tactics and to be well-prepared for the match. We are confident [about the match]," he added. ■
Players of Japan attend a training session for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Players of Japan attend a training session for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Players of Japan attend a training session for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Head coach of Japan Moriyasu Hajime attends a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Wang Shangyuan of China attends a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Endo Wataru of Japan attends a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Endo Wataru (2nd L) and head coach Moriyasu Hajime (C) of Japan attend a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
