Tomiyasu claims Japan have quality to beat Germany

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has claimed that Japan have all the quality required to beat Germany in their World Cup opener.

THE LOWDOWN: POSITIVE HOPES

The World Cup is well underway with some exciting results already. The first shock of the tournament came in Group C as Saudi Arabia stunned the world with a 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

In group E, Spain and Germany are seen as the favourites to progress but one would write off Japan and Costa Rica at your own peril.

Japan will be aiming to cause upsets of their own and starting from their World Cup opener against Germany, Arsenal star Tomiyasu is confident his side can defy all odds and claim a result.

The teams face off on Wednesday at Khalifa International Stadium in the Al Rayyan district of Doha. It will be the Samurai Blue’s first time facing the four-time World Cup winners at the quadrennial tournament.

THE LATEST: JAPAN READY TO UPSET

Speaking about Japan’s chances against Germany, Arsenal star Tomiyasu said: “We have enough quality to beat them, of course we have to be confident, but we have to find the balance,” the 24-year-old said at the Japan training base in Qatar.”

“We have to be humble and realistic sometimes, but we are trying to beat them and we are ready to beat them.

“Germany is one of the most difficult opponents in the world, but anything can happen in soccer, and we will make it happen.”

Tomiyasu has battled several injury problems at club level this season and even came into the tournament under an injury cloud. The 24-year-old also declared he is fully fit and raring to go.

.He added: “I am ready to play … I was injured three weeks ago, but I feel fine now and I am ready”.

THE VERDICT: IT CAN HAPPEN

While Germany remain favourites on paper, it must be said that they are not the dominant side that they were years ago and Japan indeed have enough quality to cause trouble for the Europeans.

Tomiyasu is one of the star names in the Japan squad and will be fired up to lead his side to do the unexpected come Wednesday.