26/01/2024【Feature】Hisato Sato: ASC champion analysis

Hisato Sato – ASC
Hisato Sato played 31 games and scored 4 goals for Japan from 2006 to 2010, and has completed at 2007 Asian Cup. Also, he won JD1 with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2012, 2013, 2015 and JD2 in 2008.

Usual suspects all in the mix to win the Asian Cup
The Asian Cup expanded to 24 teams in 2019 and will have the same number this time around too, but it is hard to look beyond the usual big names when it comes to considering the title hopefuls.

Japan of course come into the tournament in great form and will be one challenger, while their East Asian rivals Korea Republic also have a wealth of talent and will be aiming for a first crown since 1960. Australia beat Korea in the 2015 final and are another side that will be targeting glory in Qatar, while the eyes of the football world are on Saudi Arabia right now, and with Roberto Mancini in charge the Green Falcons are another side I expect to be in the mix.

I’m disappointed that Eldor Shomurodov looks set to miss out for Uzbekistan, but the White Wolves have a good generation emerging, wonderful organisation, and a reasonably kind draw so they are still my pick as the dark horse.

With regards to individual players, I’m looking forward to the thrilling Korean duo of Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In, who have been in terrific form in the Premier League and Champions League this year and will surely light up the competition, and I’m also excited to see Takefusa Kubo trying to break down stubborn defences for Japan.

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