Taking advantage of a similar playing style, Bolivia manager Carlos Aragones said he is looking for "a surprise" in Sunday's Kirin Cup final against Japan at Yokohama International Stadium.
"People say the game tomorrow will be of advantage to Japan. I agree. But a surprise can happen in soccer. Both sides have speed, skills and similar physical features. It'll be a good game," Aragones said after practice on Saturday.
Aragones is at a disadvantage because he couldn't get many of his regular players after their clubs refused to release them with the domestic league nearing its conclusion. In Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Slovakia, seven young players made their international debuts for Bolivia.
Last year's Copa America team midfielder Luis Hector Cristaldo will sit out due to a leg injury, but his 1994 World Cup teammate and midfielder Mauricio Ramos is expected to play.
"We haven't trained together on this team so much. But our physical conditions are much better than before," Aragones said. "Japan will probably be playing aggressively. It's important for us to keep good possession of the ball and be well focused."
Meanwhile, Japan midfielder Norihiro Nishi of Jubilo Iwata will miss Sunday's game with a torn muscle in his right thigh.