ASIAN* CUP APACE : JAPAN ALL SET

 

TOKYO : Japan will need to be able to '' deal with anything'' at next month's Asian Cup if they are to win a record fifth title, coach Hajime Moriyasu said last Thursday.

Japan are one of the favorites for the tournament in Qatar, which kicks off on January 12, after winning their last eight games including away victories over Germany and Turkey.

Moriyasu named a 23-man squad for a warm-up friendly against Thailand in Tokyo on New Year's Day,  featuring 15 overseas-based players but nissing Premier League stars such as Liverpool's Wataru Endo and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma.

The coach is expected to have everyone available when he names his Asian Cup squad in early January and he wants his players to be ready for any challenge. [AFP]