world cup qualifiers

Coach tells Japan squad to sober up after Kirin Cup win

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has told his squad to sober up after beating under-strength Chile and Belgium and brace themselves for a decisive World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

“This won’t guarantee us anything against Uzbekistan,” he said after Japan blanked Belgium 4-0 on Sunday following a 4-0 defeat of Chile last week in the three-nation Kirin Cup.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill says Australia has edge over Japan - Football

http://www.news.com.au –

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has been talking up his side's chances this time around and even intimated the Socceroos were arrogant by saying last year he wanted to "shut them up". ..(I say! rather undignified and ill-mannered for a Japanese - what?)

Japan coach undaunted by tall Aussies

http://news.smh.com.au –

Japan coach Takeshi Okada believes size won't matter when the former Asian champions take on unbeaten group leaders Australia at home in their next World Cup qualifier.