3 minute read

After smashing Honduras 6-0 last week Japan coach Javier Aguirre wants more of the same against Australia on Tuesday.

Having dismantled Honduras 6-0 last week, Japan coach Javier Aguirre is calling for a repeat performance against Australia on Tuesday.

Tuesday's clash at Osaka's Yanmar Stadium is crucial for Japan as their final match before launching their Asian Cup defence in January.

Aguirre has been under fire since being appointed three months ago following Japan's disappointing World Cup showing under Italian Alberto Zaccheroni.

The Mexican had guided the side to just one victory, a fortuitous 1-0 victory over Jamaica, before Friday's thumping of Honduras and was humiliated by Brazil last month when Neymar ran riot, scoring all four goals in a 4-0 demolition.

Last week's result has alleviated some of the pressure on Aguirre and the coach is wanting more of the same when his charges take on Australia.

"I've told the players what I want. They were solid on the pitch last time (against Honduras), and I want them to keep working hard on and off the ball," he said.

"I showed the players footage of the Honduras game today. I showed them 30 minutes of excellent soccer and I have told them that is what I want to see tomorrow."

Aguirre rang the changes when he was appointed as, like Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, he looks to regenerate his squad.

But the former Atletico Madrid and Espanyol boss was forced to recall old hands such as Makoto Hasebe, Yasuhito Endo and Yasuyuki Konno to his squad and hinted he wouldn't be making too many changes to the side which ripped apart Honduras.

FC Schalke defender Atsuto Uchida, who is struggling with a sore knee, looks to be the only change to the Japan starting lineup which is likely to include stars Keisuke Honda, who plays for AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa.

"I want us to go for the win," Aguirre said.

"This is not a test. All of the players are playing at a high level, but I will use my best XI (against Australia).

"They (Australia) are a title contender for the Asian Cup so it will be good opportunity to see how we match up to them.

"I have watched all four of Australia's games since the World Cup and they are a physical side.

"They have been training in Japan for several days now and are taking this game seriously."