Zico turns his attention to Germany

[Toke-E-Yo]

Originally Posted by www.asian-football.com

YOKOHAMA – With Japan’s mission of revenge against Iran complete, coach Zico has turned his attention towards gearing up his side for next year’s World Cup finals in Germany.

While both sides had already booked their spots in Germany prior to Wednesday night’s match in Yokohama, there was a matter of some unfinished business for the home side as they sought to finish in first place in their group and avenge a 2-1 defeat in Tehran in March, the only blemish on their World Cup qualification record over the past two years.

Zico’s charges duly delivered in front of a capacity crowd at the International Stadium in Yokohama as they dominated proceedings with Akira Kaji opening the scoring in the first half before a goal credited to Samsung Man of the Match Masashi Oguro in the 76th minute gave Japan a 2-0 advantage.

Ali Daei gave Iran hope by scoring his 105th international goal from the penalty spot with 11 minutes remaining but Japan held on for a deserved three points.

"It was a good win. Iran was strong and they came back in the second half, but we took our chances and it was a great game," said Zico. "Our only loss in qualifying came in Tehran, so tonight's victory was all the more sweet."

While Japan have won 11 of their 12 World Cup 2006 qualifying matches, the form of the Asian Cup holders has often been patchy on the road to Germany. However, Zico felt that his side had shown what they were capable of against Iran and got what they wanted out of the match.

"We capitalized on our chances, and that was the difference tonight," said the Brazilian.

"We wanted to go through as the top team in the group, and we played like we wanted to. Now the World Cup awaits us. Let's see what we can do there."

VIVA LA ASIA! FORZA JAPAN! GANBARE NIPPON

[stuglue]

japan certainly have the talent to do something at the WC but i guess the luck of the draw may have something to do with it,nobody will take them lightly thats for sure.

[Toke-E-Yo]

Originally Posted by stuglue

japan certainly have the talent to do something at the WC but i guess the luck of the draw may have something to do with it,nobody will take them lightly thats for sure.

I hope they do take us lightly, but your also right, I hope were not drawn in to a "Death Group"

[RedDevilZ]

Korea always gets screwed in the draw...!!! ARGHHH PLEASE NOT THIS TIME.!!

[Lion Heart]

Japan had a very easy group last time but it was only because they were seeded, this time around I reckon they will have a harder time trying to qualify to the 2nd round, much harder.

[Toke-E-Yo]

Originally Posted by Lion Heart

Japan had a very easy group last time but it was only because they were seeded, this time around I reckon they will have a harder time trying to qualify to the 2nd round, much harder.

luck of the draw my goo dman, luck of the draw