JAPAN will gear up for the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers by taking on Uruguay in an international friendly at the Sapporo Dome on August 20, the Japan Football Association announced on Friday.
"It's going to be an important occasion for us as this is the only match we can play to check our readiness before going into the final round of the World Cup qualifiers," said Japan coach Takeshi Okada.
"I hope Uruguay come with a strong squad to play against us."
Okada hopes to hopes to use the opportunity to hone his side's defence and counter-attack before opening the final round of the qualifiers with their third meeting of the year against Bahrain on September 6.
"I hope we can find some positives in the Uruguay game to bring with us into the World Cup qualifiers," Okada added.
Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay are currently ranked sixth in the South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, two points behind fourth-placed Chile with the top four advancing to South Africa.
The teams drew 2-2 in their last meeting in March 2003.
"I hope Uruguay come with a strong squad to play against us."
Okada hopes to hopes to use the opportunity to hone his side's defence and counter-attack before opening the final round of the qualifiers with their third meeting of the year against Bahrain on September 6.
"I hope we can find some positives in the Uruguay game to bring with us into the World Cup qualifiers," Okada added.
Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay are currently ranked sixth in the South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, two points behind fourth-placed Chile with the top four advancing to South Africa.
The teams drew 2-2 in their last meeting in March 2003.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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