Reveling in his role with the national team, Hertha Berlin forward Genki Haraguchi will be looking to extend his scoring run to five straight World Cup qualifiers when Japan takes on the United Arab Emirates in final-round Group B on Thursday.
Haraguchi has netted only once for his Bundesliga side so far this season, but in November he became the first Japan player to score in four consecutive final-round qualifiers in a 2-1 win at home to Group B leaders Saudi Arabia.
"I wouldn't say that I am in great form because there have been a lot of matches that have not gone well with Hertha but I really like my role with the national team," said Haraguchi.