Vahid Halilhodzic emphasised Japan’s quality but warned them not to underestimate Saudi Arabia ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The Samurai Blue are currently in third place in Group B with seven points, while a win would draw them even on points with the current leaders.

“We don’t have to overthink this match,” Halilhodzic told a press conference. “We know it won’t be an easy job but that’s why we’ve worked so hard in training.

“Saudi Arabia have been a difficult opponent in the last few years, especially physically and tactically. 

“They have individual quality [and] a football intelligence that Japan lacks, so we have to avoid falling into their traps.

“This group is very close and we know this match will be difficult, but we have the quality to win.”

The match will kick off at 19:35 JST at Saitama Stadium 2002.