Kuala Lumpur: Japan will be aiming for full points when they host Malaysia in the final round of the 2012 London Olympics Asian qualifiers on September 21. Japan, who hold the best record for any Asian team in the Olympics so far after winning the bronze medal in 1968, were drawn alongside Bahrain, Syria and Malaysia in the draw on Thursday.
Japan Football Association (JFA)'s Technical Director Hiromi Hara said his side would be looking to start the campaign on the right note in front of home fans.
"There are no easy teams in the final round and any team can upset the odds on any given day," he told the-afc.com.
Japan finished last in their group in the Beijing Olympics and are one of 12 teams battling for the three direct places on offer for Asia in London. One more spot is available via a two-tiered play-off.
"Malaysia is a strong team and since we will play our first match at home against Malaysia, our aim will be to start with a victory," said Hara.
"There are two West Asian teams in the group and travelling long distance could be a problem but thankfully Malaysia is closer to us."
Hara added: "The coaching staff will decide on the Japan team's composition."
Malaysia qualified for the final round after defeating Pakistan in the first round before edging Lebanon in the second round.
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