TOKYO - In a surprise move, national coach of Japan, Zico announced that he will not be starting with his European-based players in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification match against North Korea on 9 February at the Saitama stadium.
Japan had called up two of their foreign-based players – Shunsuke Nakamura from Reggina FC and Naohiro Takahara who is playing for Hamburg. Both players are expected to join the squad by tomorrow.
Even though both players are traveling a long way, Zico will not guarantee a first eleven appearance. “I don’t think I will use the two foreign-based players as starting members for the match. I think those who played against Syria did very well for us. So, if no one is injured, I will start with the same eleven who played then,” Zico said.
The coach added, “In my two years here, I have always said that no one is guaranteed of a first eleven.”
Takahara who left for Japan yesterday was hoping otherwise. He said, “If I don’t play, there will be no point of me traveling to Japan.”
Meanwhile, fans had started to line-up at the Saitama stadium since 4th February in order to get a good seat for the match. Although most seats are numbered, the seats behind the goal post are based on first come first serve basis.
Japan had called up two of their foreign-based players – Shunsuke Nakamura from Reggina FC and Naohiro Takahara who is playing for Hamburg. Both players are expected to join the squad by tomorrow.
Even though both players are traveling a long way, Zico will not guarantee a first eleven appearance. “I don’t think I will use the two foreign-based players as starting members for the match. I think those who played against Syria did very well for us. So, if no one is injured, I will start with the same eleven who played then,” Zico said.
The coach added, “In my two years here, I have always said that no one is guaranteed of a first eleven.”
Takahara who left for Japan yesterday was hoping otherwise. He said, “If I don’t play, there will be no point of me traveling to Japan.”
Meanwhile, fans had started to line-up at the Saitama stadium since 4th February in order to get a good seat for the match. Although most seats are numbered, the seats behind the goal post are based on first come first serve basis.