KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup surprise package Japan are not thinking about the final despite booking their berth early.
The Samurais will join three-time SAS Cup champions Pakistan in Saturday's final as both teams have 10 points each after four matches, and they are expected to bulldoze past bottom side Canada in their final group match at the Azlan Shah Stadium tomorrow.
The world No. 16 have been on a sensational unbeaten run in Ipoh, beating South Korea (10-2), New Zealand (4-1) and Malaysia (2-1), as well as securing a 1-1 draw with Pakistan.
The 2018 Asian Games champions made their debut in the SAS Cup in 1987 and have since participated in the 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022 editions. Their most notable achievement came in 2022 when they finished fourth.
Japan's head coach, Yoshihiro Anai said he is excited that the team have been unbeaten in four matches and also qualified for the final for the first time.
"The players need to continue working hard and stick to the plan as usual. We need to maintain this momentum,'' said Anai.
Commenting on the 2-1 victory over Malaysia on Wednesday, Anai praised his players for their hard work in denying Malaysia from getting a draw or securing a win.
"Every player performed well and showed a high level of discipline on the field. We knew Malaysia is a team with speed, but our players managed to contain them," he said.