[December 31, 2005]

Soccer: Lack of firepower a worry for Zico ahead of World Cup+

(Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)TOKYO, Dec. 31_(Kyodo) _ Coach Zico has admitted Japan must demonstrate more of a killer instinct in front of goal ahead of the World Cup finals and is hoping the return of injury-weary striker Tatsuhiko Kubo will provide a solution to his side's problems in attack.

In Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and Bolton Wanderers' Hidetoshi Nakata, Japan have no shortage of creativity while captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has marshaled the backline imperiously and it is unlikely Zico will tinker too much with his squad in midfield and defense in the coming months.

But Japan's poor finishing in recent matches has been a source of frustration for the Brazilian coach and he says instilling a more ruthless streak into his strike force will be his main priority in the build-up to the finals.

"If there is one aspect of our game we really need to improve on it is finishing. We are always going to create opportunities regardless of who our opponents are. If we can't finish the job and turn those chances into goals we are not going to win," said Zico.

"We have struggled at times to capitalize on simple chances and that is what we really need to work on over the next six months."

He added, "The World Cup finals have a special atmosphere and national pride is very much at stake. You only get one chance and if you don't take chances you can end up losing so to make sure that doesn't happen we will be working on accuracy."

With competition up front for a place in the final World Cup squad set to intensify, Zico has recalled Yokohama F Marinos striker Kubo and thrown down the gauntlet to JEF United Chiba target man Seiichiro Maki and in-form Hisato Sato ahead of next month's friendly away to the United States.

Zico is a firm admirer of Kubo, who rescued the Brazilian with a last-ditch winner in Japan's opening World Cup qualifier against Oman in February 2004, and twice called him up in 2005 only for injuries to force the 29-year-old to withdraw.

Kubo struck four of his eight national team goals in as many games in a mini tour of Europe in the spring of 2004, including the winner in the shock defeat of the Czech Republic.

But the shy forward has been plagued with knee, lower back and other injuries and has not featured for the national team since coming on in Japan's 4-0 win over India well over a year ago.

Kubo is fit again and his recent goals for Yokohama in the Emperor's Cup have signaled a welcome return to form and Zico is only too pleased to have him back to add extra bite in attack.

"Zico has always made it clear he wants to bring (Kubo) back into the picture once he is fit. He is a first-choice player," Japan Football Association technical director Kozo Tashima said following Kubo's recall on Dec. 26.

"Supersub" Masashi Oguro was Japan's leading scorer in the national team in 2005 with five goals and on current form is likely to be in the final World Cup squad, although much depends on whether he can translate that form in France after his recent move to Japanese-owned second-division club Grenoble.

Naohiro Takahara and Atsushi Yanagisawa, neither of whom have been getting much playing time at Hamburg SV and Messina this season, will probably be in the reckoning due to their European experience.

But Kubo and Maki, who has had a good season with Chiba but lacks international experience, can hold the ball up well, are strong in the air, and give as good as they get.

Kubo knows with time running out he must make the most of this chance to prove himself.

"I'm excited to be named to the national side for the first time in a while," Kubo said. "I consider this my last chance, and I want to make the most of it."

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Discussions: