Ecuador’s Asian tour moves on to Japan on Thursday, when La Tri will play their second friendly of the trip against a Japanese side their coach expects to provide a demanding test.
Key takeaways
- Ecuador will face Japan away from home on Thursday.
- The match is La Tri’s second friendly fixture in Asia.
- The Ecuador coach acknowledged the strengths of the Japanese national team.
- La Tri intend to take the initiative rather than sit back.
Ecuador seek control in Japan
From one Asian stop to the next, Ecuador arrive in Japan with the stated aim of imposing their own identity on the match. The encounter offers La Tri another international examination on the road, against opponents accustomed to playing with pace and discipline.
The coach, known as El Muñeco, spoke respectfully of Japan’s qualities before the game but made clear that Ecuador’s approach will not be passive. “We will try, with a clear message, to take the leading role,” he said. “We must understand that this is what we are going to pursue.”
Thursday’s fixture completes Ecuador’s second friendly assignment in Asia, with the visitors looking to carry that ambition onto Japanese soil.
