Despite Japan being the first team to qualify for next year's World Cup finals, their coach Zico will come under renewed pressure in the Confederations Cup next week.
The Brazilian was hired after the 2002 World Cup with the specific task of getting Japan to next year's finals in Germany.
Zico achieved that aim with Japan's 2-0 win over North Korea on Wednesday but the team have hardly impressed during qualifying for the World Cup.
Lucky home wins over North Korea and Bahrain aided Japan's bid for a third World Cup appearance.
Zico's tactics and team selection have been criticised in the Japanese press while dissent among some senior Japan players has not helped team spirit.
Italian-based playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata has twice been involved in training ground bust-ups with Japan team mates this year as tensions ran high.
Recent history weighs heavily on Zico after his predecessor Philippe Troussier led co-hosts Japan to the second round of the last World Cup.
Japan also reached the final of the 2001 Confederations Cup final under the Frenchman's stewardship, losing 1-0 to France in Yokohama.
SCANT CONSOLATION
Their challenge at the 2003 Confederations Cup fell flat, however, and a 3-0 victory over weak New Zealand was scant consolation after defeats by France and Colombia.
Zico's team have been done few favours by a tough draw alongside Brazil, Greece and Mexico in Group B.
A loss to Mexico in their opening match in Hanover on Thursday would leave Japan needing a minor miracle against European champions Greece and World Cup holders Brazil.
An early exit would increase the pressure on Zico, whose relationship with the Japanese media has deteriorated after a string of poor performances.
The 52-year-old is still annoyed about public protests calling for him to be sacked at the start of the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
A surprise run in the Confederations Cup would be a vindication of Zico's policies but injuries have disrupted his preparations for the tournament.
Feyenoord's Shinji Ono broke his foot during training with Japan earlier this month and Hamburg striker Naohiro Takahara is also doubtful.
Zico, though, put a positive spin on his side's chances at the Confederations Cup.
"The resilience and mental powers of this team are very special," he said. "We've qualified for the World Cup. Now we can take that momentum into the Confederations Cup."
Despite all their problems, Japan at least know they can make plans for next year and this tournament will give them the chance to make themselves at home in Germany.
After their first match in Hanover against Mexico, Japan travel to Frankfurt to play Greece on June 19 and then to Cologne to face Brazil on June 22.
© 2024 Rediff.com -