Syrian coach Mohamed Al Jomaa.

By Tan Boon Piaw

SINGAPORE: Pressure-free Japan continue their campaign for glory in the AFC U-17 Championship when they take on Syria in the semifinals here at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday. Japan edged Iran 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to qualify for the last four after 120 minutes of football produced a 1-1 draw, and the gritty win also booked their spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea Republic next year. Syria shocked pre-tournament favourites Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the quarterfinals to continue their impressing performance in this year’s tournament. Japan, who won the title in 1994 after defeating Qatar, are desperate to make amends for a surprisingly poor performance in the last two editions, which saw them catching early flights back home and the knowledge that they have defeated Syria in their only meeting so far is bound to help.

With Cerezo Osaka wizard Yoichiro Kakitani and FC Tokyo custodian Ryotaro Hironaga in their ranks, the ‘little samurai' have emerged unbeaten from Group A with two wins and a draw. They thrashed Nepal 6-0 in the opener, drew 1-1 with hosts Singapore in the second, before narrowly edging Korea Republic 3-2 in the last game to secure their spot in the knockout stage. Syria, who lost to Yemen in the quarterfinals in the 2002 edition, took a contrasting route to the quarterfinals as Group D runners-up and had to bounce back from an opening 1-0 defeat to reigning champions China to reinforce their confidence with a 7-0 hammering of minnows Bangladesh. They wrapped up their campaign with a 2-0, albeit late and nervy, win over Vietnam. Japan coach Hiroshi Jofuku has made it very clear that his team’s main objective is to cement its place in the world meet as soon as possible. After achieving this objective, he aims for a higher target - to bring home the coveted trophy after a lapse of 12 years. “We are in a relaxed mood now. When you are playing without pressure, you tend to play better. My next target is to go two steps better, which is emerging triumphant in this tournament." “We last won the trophy in 1994, and we are desperate to win it back." Jofuku feels there is an urgent need for his attack and defence to be sharpen up if they wish to beat Syria.

“Our attack has not been convincing in the last few matches, while the backline is still very shaky. To compound our problems the midfielders also tend to lose possession easily, and this gives our opponents a chance to launch counter attacking moves." Jofuku played down the psychological advantage over Syria and also stressed that his players are all fresh and fit although they played a draining match against Iran in the quarterfinal. “I don’t like to look at the past. Yes, we beat Syria last time we met but that is history. Syria has changed some players since then and also improved a lot. We can never underestimate them." “I have no injury problem and the players are up and running although they had a tough match against Iran. Young players are energetic and it is not a problem with their fitness level. They are all motivated to do well in the semi final." Jofuku said Syria were a determined and attack-oriented team.

“In my view, Syrian players have an unbelievably strong mentality and never stop trying and chasing the ball. Physically, they are very strong and tough to play with. Their only suspect is their defence." Syria coach Mohamed Al Jomaa, who has led the youth side of Al Karameh to seven domestic titles, doesn’t think the Japanese are unbeatable.

“Japan are dangerous in attack but their defence is awful. I have a game plan in mind. If we can unsettle their defence in the early stages, we stand a good chance of winning." “I respect them as a traditional power but we are not afraid of anyone. We have our own strengths too. We don’t have to pay too much of respect to our opponent." Al Jomaa, who prefers a 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 formation, humbly conceded that his team was “lucky" to have come so far.

“I feel we are lucky to have qualified for the last four and also got our seat in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea Republic next year. Nobody gave us a chance after we lost to China in the opener." “I would like to say Syrian players never give up, and we have a big heart, strong desire to do well against the odds. Maybe we are not good technically and tactically, but we make up with our courage and God given strong will. This element is very important in football." Syria’s main threat comes from their chief striker Mohamd Jaafar and attacking midfielder Mohammad Darwish Midou, who have four goals each in their credit, and tied with Tajikistan forward Davrondzhon Tukhtasunov as the joint top scorer of the tournament. With the impressive Ziad Ajouz, who scored two goals so far, as the provider from the wing or as a back-up striker, Syria’s firepower is second to none and this should spell trouble for the vulnerable Japanese defence.