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Okada undaunted by Australian physique
Japan coach Takeshi Okada believes size won't matter when the former Asian
champions take on unbeaten group leaders Australia at home in their next
FIFA World CupT qualifier.
"Australia are tall, big and strong. But it doesn't lead me to wonder
what kind of approach we should take," Okada said as he announced
a plan to play Finland in a warm-up friendly a week before the 11 February
showdown against the Australians. "Our concept is aimed at a bigger
goal."
"You may say there is a difference in heights but the difference
is not so much as one metre. It's 20 centimetres (eight inches) at most,"
he added. "We may possibly beat them if we jump first."
Finland, who are struggling behind Germany, Russia and Wales in Europe's
World Cup qualifying Group 4, were picked for the friendly at Tokyo's
National Stadium to give Japan a taste of a physically stronger side.
"Finland are sufficient opponents as a 'virtual Australia',"
Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai said. "I hope
our side will have a full-out game to grasp the image of a victory."
Japan's 3-0 rout of Qatar away on 20 November has eased pressure on Okada
after a run of uninspiring results, including a 3-2 away win over Bahrain
and a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan at home in earlier qualifiers.
Japan trail two points behind Australia, who dominate Asia's Group 1 with
a perfect nine points from three matches. Qatar follow with four points
from four games, with Bahrain and Uzbekistan at the bottom with one point
each.
Australia beat Japan 3-1 at the group stage in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
finals. But the Blue Samurai avenged the loss when they beat the Socceroos
on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals
in Hanoi.
"Our team is steadily moving toward our goal, if little by little,"
Okada said, noting that his concept was to engage all players, including
Celtic star midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, in both attacking and defending.
"We have gone through trials and errors," said Okada who has
been widely criticised for lack of clear-cut offensive tactics. "But
we are no good if we stop here. That's how I really feel."
Okada assumed his second stint as national coach a year ago, replacing
Ivica Osim when the ageing Bosnian tactician suffered a serious stroke.
Okada led Japan in their winless FIFA World Cup finals debut at France
1998.
"The kind of football, which is envisaged by coach Okada, is becoming
clear game after game," said the FA chief Inukai. "I am very
much looking forward to their great step forward."
FIFA.com,
10 December 2008
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