Sports / News
Japan aim to avenge staggering World Cup loss to Aussies
(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-18 09:15
HANOI, July 17 - Japan's meticulous Bosnian coach Ivica Osim had his
players practising penalty kicks on Tuesday in preparation for their
Asian Cup quarter-final with Australia.
Japan's first-team players spent their time working on spot kicks while a
second-string eleven beat a local amateur side 1-0 in a hastily arranged
training match in Hanoi.
Holders Japan finished top of Group B to set up a needle match with
Australia, who avoided an early exit by overpowering co-hosts Thailand
4-0 in their final Group A game.
Australia quickly re-established themselves as tournament favourites
after finishing runners-up in their group but Japan's players have added
incentive to beat them on Saturday.
Japan are desperate to avenge the 3-1 defeat by Australia at last year's
World Cup finals in Kaiserslautern as they bid to become only the second
team after Iran (1968-76) to win three straight Asian Cup titles.
"We've been waiting for this chance for a long time -- I'm sure the media
have too," Japan defender Yuji Nakazawa said after Tuesday's practice.
"Playing Australia now or in the final doesn't make any difference.
They're a powerful side but we're not thinking about losing. We'll give
this game everything."
Last year's first round match in the World Cup finals was one of the most
dramatic in the tournament.
Japan were leading from the 26th minute through Shunsuke Nakamura and
looked to be heading for victory until six minutes from time when a
stunning collapse saw them concede three goals with Tim Cahill scoring
twice and John Aloisi once.
Nakazawa, who initially quit international football after Japan's first
round World Cup exit, warned that keeping the Socceroos' captain Mark
Viduka in check would be crucial.
"He's big and very strong," said Nakazawa. "I know all about him and I'll
have to try to make sure I stop him from doing what he does best."
Nakazawa believes the fact Japan did not have to move from Hanoi will
also benefit the defending champions.
"We won the group and got to stay put," he smiled. "That should help."
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