A heavyweight clash awaits at Sharjah Stadium on Monday when record four-time champions Japan meet Saudi Arabia in Asian Cup 2019’s round of 16.
This match will pit a number of the continent’s most-talented players against each other.
Here are the key battles:
YUTO NAGATOMO v MOHAMMED AL BREIK
A battle of the full-backs awaits in Sharjah. Al Breik has been in constant motion for the Saudis, teaming up superbly with emerging winger Hattan Bahebri. Nagatomo has been an outstanding player, but at 32-years old he may struggle to keep pace.
GAKU SHIBASAKI v ABDULLAH OTAYF
Win the midfield battle and you win the war. Saudi Arabia have made the second-most passes in the tournament and Otayf the second-most passes of any player. Shibasaki has only played three times for Getafe in La Liga this season, so will need to quickly get up to speed.
RITSU DOAN v YASSER AL SHAHRANI
Doan is one of Asia’s emerging stars, with his marauding runs a bright spot for dour Japan. Al Shahrani is a phenomenal full-back, but he’s only just back in full training after injury and will have his work cut out.
YOSHINORI MUTO v FAHAD AL MUWALLAD
Samurai Blue head coach Hajime Moriyasu has not seem convinced by any of his striking options. Muto’s header against Uzbekistan could see him get the nod. There is no such doubt for the Saudis, for whom two-goal Al Muwallad is shining as a false 9.
