Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, Japan (Captain and Goalkeeper)
"I have an impression that Japan is in one of the toughest groups. We have met these three opponents on more than one occasion at international level and all of them have great technique and have improved a great deal recently, so none of the games will be easy. Besides, we have to travel a long way to the Middle East for away games and it requires a lot of preparatory and organisational work to ensure the team can adapt to the new environment quickly. Thus we have no option but to focus on preparation and play the games one by one."

Junji Ogura, Japan (Vice-President);
"I'm happy with the draw. I'm familiar with the teams that are in our group. We're experienced in playing against them. We played Oman and Bahrain already in the last World Cup campaign. The time difference for the away games might make it a bit difficult. We are lucky because we can prepare for the teams we know. We are confident and Japan hopes to be in the top two in the group."

Said Al Shamsi, Oman (Delegation Member);
"The group we are in is very strong, I think every one has equal chances. We are familiar with Thailand, we lost to them recently. We also know Japan very well and they are a very strong team and must be the favourites. We think Bahrain and ourselves are evenly matched. The strongest group is Group 1 and the easiest group is Group 4."

Chanvit Poljivin, Thailand (Head Coach)
"It's a tough group, Japan play tp a very high standard. However, I think we are capable of beating Bahrain and Oman. Our goal is unquestionably advancing to the next stage of last 10 teams which will play in two groups of five. We will probably need to get 10 points, so that means something like three draws away, and at home two wins and a draw."