Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has revealed that he plans on asking Spain legend Andres Iniesta for advice on how to beat Luis Enrique's side at this year's World Cup. Spain and Japan will face each other in the group stages of the competition after they were pitted against one another in Group E following Friday's draw. Germany and the winner of the Costa Rica vs New Zealand play-off complete the group.
Moriyasu is already devising a plan on how to beat one of the tournament's favourites and is looking to use the Barcelona legend as a 'spy', given how Iniesta currently plays club football in Japan with Vissel Kobe, where he is also captain. Iniesta, 37, won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 before going on to win the Euros two years later in what was one of the best teams of all time.
However, the Japan manager is hoping Iniesta will put his national pride to one side and offer tips on how to beat his compatriots come November. Moriyasu insists Japan is an attractive destination for the world's best players, given there already many Spaniards in Japan's top league. But while the odds are stacked against the Japanese given the calibre of opponent already in their group, Moriyasu insists he only feels 'joy' at competing with the very best.
The Japan boss insisted that he will ask the former Barcelona and Spain international legend to hand out tips on how to beat the current Spanish team at the World Cup when the two countries face off in their group stage fixture, but it remains to be seen if Iniesta will sell out his country to the Japanese team even if he can.
The manager also added that he derives joy in playing against countries who are seen as favorites to win the title, and gave examples of Germany and Spain.
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