Japan select Vietnam for final warm-up match ahead of 2027 Asian Cup
VOV.VN - Japan have selected Vietnam as their opponent for a friendly match scheduled on December 30 at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka, serving as the final rehearsal for the Samurai Blue before heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
According to Yahoo Japan, despite holding a superior head-to-head record in recent encounters, Japan’s coaching staff and media do not underestimate the Vietnamese side led by head coach Kim Sang-sik.
Ranked 99th in the FIFA standings, second in Southeast Asia, Vietnam are regarded as an increasingly formidable test thanks to their quality pool of naturalised players from Brazil and Slovakia. Despite finishing fourth at the recent FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 amid an injury crisis, the anticipated return of these key players by late December is expected to bolster Vietnam's strength.
For Japan, the fixture caps an intensive preparation phase. Following four consecutive friendly victories over Uruguay, Venezuela, Ecuador, and New Zealand to lift the Kirin Cup, Japan will face Brazil and Paraguay in November. The December 30 match against Vietnam will serve as the final squad assessment and fitness test before the team departs for the Middle East for the New Year.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu underscored the importance of the fixture, noting that the December 30 match would help refine the squad's physical conditioning before they depart for Saudi Arabia. The encounter allows Moriyasu to finalise his roster while gaining valuable tactical exposure against a Southeast Asian opponent similar to Thailand and Indonesia, Japan’s group-stage rivals at the 2027 Asian Cup finals.
Vietnam to play three friendly matches ahead of 2027 Asian Cup
VOV.VN - The Vietnam national team will have two friendly matches against Chinese Taipei and Kyrgyzstan during the FIFA Days, taking place from November 9 to 17, and one match against Qatar on January 5 ahead of their 2027 Asian Cup campaign.
