Japan coach Takeshi Okada received an official warning of the importance of tonight’s World Cup qualifier against group leaders Australia.
Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai said on Tuesday: “It is fatal if Japan lose at home tomorrow.”
When Okada was asked about his reaction to Inukai’s statement, he said: “It is up to the president what he thinks. We will just try to win the game.”
Japan suffered a shock 1-0 away defeat to Bahrain in an Asian Cup qualifier last month when fielding only two of their Europe-based players, triggering media calls for Okada to be sacked.
Despite a 5-1 win over second-rung Finland in a tune-up game last week, Japan showed their vulnerability once again as they struggled with set pieces and their opponents’ height.
It was a third straight game in which Japan conceded a goal from a set piece, after conceding one against Yemen in an Asian Cup qualifying match.
Sports dailies have criticised Okada for relying too much on Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura and Gamba Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo, without whom Japan lack clear-cut offensive tactics.
“If Japan suffer a crushing defeat by Australia, there will be a possibility that Okada will be fired,” Nikkan Sports said.
Players to watch:
Australia
TIM CAHILL: The Socceroos’ most important player with a phenomenal goalscoring record of one every two games from midfield. Likely to play a more attacking role. Japan will remember how he scored two of the three goals in the dramatic 2006 World Cup win over the Blue Samurai in Germany.MARK SCHWARZER: Has been a hero during this World Cup qualifying campaign, saving the Socceroos several times in both stages of qualification. The Socceroos would not be top of their group were it not for the Fulham shot-stopper’s brilliance.
VINCE GRELLA: Sent off last time these two sides met in Hanoi for flattening Japanese striker Naohiro Takahara. Combative defensive midfielder whose ability to break up Japan’s attack – and control their playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura – will be pivotal to the result.
Japan
RYOTA TSUZUKI: Third-string goalkeeper who is likely to deputise for injured star Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, who has starred in the past two matches against Australia. Sure to be tested by Cahill and company in one of his rare international appearances.SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA: Glasgow Celtic playmaker noted for his brilliance from set-pieces. Scored Japan’s goal in 2006 World Cup clash and loves to exploit space in final third with his pinpoint distribution. Deadly from free-kicks around the penalty box.
YUJI NAKAZAWA: Towering centre-half who is excellent defensively, but also has a superb goalscoring strike rate getting forward for set-pieces. Has scored 16 times in 84 appearances. Has forged good central defensive partnership with Marcus Tulio Tanaka, and plays club football in Yokohama.
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