Subway Joeys midfielder Haine Eames believes the team need to be more clinical and aggressive in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ qualification showdown with Japan on Thursday night (6.00pm local / 1.00am AEST, Friday, 11 April).
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After picking up one point from their opening two Group B matches, Brad Maloney’s Joeys side know their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ rest on picking up all three points against the Samurai Blue.
Ahead of our crunch clash with Japan, we caught up with the Central Coast Mariners midfielder to discuss areas of improvement for the team, the belief heading into Thursday night and what we can expect from our Group B opponents.
On areas to improve on
It was not the result we wanted [against UAE], but once again we put in a good performance. We had our chances and hit the woodwork plenty of times. We just need to start putting them away and be more clinical in front of goal to reward our hard work.
We could also improve our aggression. Against Japan, we need to go out there, be aggressive and take control of the game. Being aggressive will give us a great chance of beating them.
On belief going into the Japan game
We all still believe. We always put in good performances and I think we can go one better against Japan. Naturally, the boys are sometimes a little bit down immediately after the game, but everyone picks themselves up the day after as there’s no point dwelling. We’ve just got to pick ourselves back up and go again.
On the group’s mentality ahead of Japan
We all know that this could be our last game this year. It either takes us to the World Cup, or that’s it for us this year. So we’ll go out there and work as hard as we possibly can. I’m confident we’ll get a good result.
On whether to expect a more open game against the Samurai Blue
Playing against Japan should suit us more as in the last two games, the opposition set up very differently to how we and Japan play.
They like to play a passing game and to work the ball around. That will be better for us as it’s two footballing sides going head-to-head. In those types of games, we stand a great chance.
Match Schedule
Japan U17 v Subway Joeys
Thursday, 10 April 2025
Okaz Stadium, Taif
Kick-off: 6.00pm local / 1.00am AEST (Friday, 11 April)
Broadcast: 10 Play