Japan eye friendlies to relaunch world cup bid

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has vowed to use friendlies against Ivory Coast and Paraguay next month to rebuild his squad after an ominous 1-0 defeat to Bahrain in a World Cup qualifier last week.

"We played a little, miserable game," he said, describing the away loss that was characterised by Japan's timid, defensive football.

"We must win the next qualifier against Oman at home and all the other remaining matches no matter what." Okada was speaking as the schedule of home friendlies against the more physical and higher-ranked countries was announced.

Okada said he hoped to use Europe-based players, including Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura and Frankfurt defensive midfielder Junichi Inamoto, for the first time since he took over from Ivica Osim in December.

"I will change our approach. I will give instructions like how to battle the opponents in certain situations," Okada said without elaborating.

"What mattered most last time was that I could not let the players give what they have." The former Asian champions, who beat Thailand 4-1 in their World Cup opener in February, are level with Oman on three points in their group, behind unbeaten Bahrain. Thailand are winless.

Japan take on Oman at home on June 2 in their next qualifier.

Okada said that Ivory Coast were expected to send an "almost best team" and Paraguay had always sent a "well organised team" for friendlies against Japan.

Ivory Coast, who made their World Cup finals debut at Germany 2006 and feature Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, lost to Japan in their only previous encounter in 1993.

Paraguay lead South American qualifying with four straight wins in their bid for their eighth World Cup finals. Japan have beaten them twice, drawn twice and lost once previously.

The friendly schedule:

May 27 -
Japan v Paraguay at Saitama

Sapa-AFP