India and Japan encounter, billed for the day at Muscat, assumes unusual significance against the backdrop of Jakarta, where India finished third while Japan won the top honours. As the Asian Games champions Japan is in a need to continue their ascending curve, their rival today being the defending champions have their own cause, if not image, at stake today.

Ahead of India v Japan clash on Sunday, Japanese coach Siegfried Aikman, rated Japanese team as ‘underdogs’ but capable enough to pull-off a surprise outcome in the upcoming encounter.

When asked about Indian chances, against Japan, he said, “India is the strongest team in the competition. They have a good-structure, they are well-balanced, they should win every match. We are the underdog and we would like to give a surprise; To flip the script is what makes the sport so interesting!”

When asked about his team’s strategy against India, he chose to politely dodge the question with a smile, however, had an interesting response. The coach to the very Japanese side said, “We always play to win and we will continue to do the same.”

He has been satisfied with his team’s performance in the competition that comprises of at least 5 players of 18-19 age-group. He has hoping that the young Japanese team gets more exposure in this tournament.

On the other hand, Indian coach, Harendra Singh, wishes to iron-out the mistakes committed by the Indians in the game against Pakistan. He quoted India’s game in the 2nd quarter in the game against Pakistan and would want to repeat that.

He pointed out that India would continue to focus on the basics and keep the energy-levels up. He hopes that the young Indian team sticks to their game-plan. That way they are good to take-on Japan on Sunday.

When asked about what a satisfactory score-line from a coach’s perspective would be, he mentioned, “I don’t think of the score on the board. It’s more important to get the 3 points from the game.”

He acknowledged Japan’s bouncing back capabilities but emphasized, “We (India) should play our own game. If we go as per our plan we will get the desired result from the upcoming match.”