Share

Blue Samurai must go all out

Cape Town - Japan's defeat by Ivory Coast in their World Cup opener has sparked a flood of recriminations, with former captain Hidetoshi Nakata ripping into the Blue Samurai after their 2-1 weekend loss.

"They need to go away and think about what kind of football they're trying to play," Nakata said in his role as an analyst for Japan's NHK Television.

"I couldn't see at all what kind of football they were striving for."

The rumblings of discontent among Japan's players were equally unmistakable as they prepared for their must-win Group C game against Greece on Thursday.

Captain Makoto Hasebe, whose removal from the fray early in the second half proved pivotal as Japan surrendered a one-goal lead against the Elephants, called the team's performance "gutless".

Hasebe, only recently returned to fitness after knee surgery, told Japanese media he had not known he would be substituted after only 54 minutes.

"It's the coach's decision," sniffed Hasebe, whose substitution, along with the introduction of Ivorian talisman Didier Drogba, quickly changed the complexion of the game.

Keisuke Honda, who again faded badly in the second half after firing Japan ahead in the 16th minute, insisted Japan had picked themselves up after their setback in Recife.

"We've got it out of our system," said Honda, who before the tournament denied speculation he had undergone thyroid surgery after training with a band-aid over his lower throat.

"Losing wasn't what was shocking, it was not being able to play to our strengths.

"The best characteristics of the Japanese turned against us. We're a diligent side and when we started trying too hard it destroyed us."

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has faced questions over his decision to replace Hasebe with Yasuhito Endo when the match was so delicately poised.

"The coach carries the responsibility for defeat," said the Italian. "We're upset we couldn't get into our rhythm.

"I will analyse how I can change things when things start going against us. But I do have confidence we will respond against Greece."

Japan, who reached the last 16 of the World Cup four years ago, had been set a quarter-final target by the country's soccer chief Kuniya Daini.

Playmaker Shinji Kagawa, who has been criticised for an anaemic display in his World Cup debut, admitted Japan would now have to take risks against Greece.

"We weren't aggressive enough," he said. "We were never really in control of the game. Greece will attack us because they lost too (to Colombia). We have no option but to attack."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE