Coach Zico blames World Cup organisers for team’s woes

ShiLou> The Croatian players did mention that they have never played in such heat as in the game against Japan…but they were quickly blasted by our media to suck it up. 90 minutes in the heat for professional athletes, although not a walk in the park, should not be debilitating. These are just excuses for not producing a desired result.

And I agree with you about Zico looking in the mirror, and think our man needs to do the same.

No one, and I mean no one, is sympathetic to that argument. I hate to say it, but I see the worst conditioned Japan squad ever, and unfortunately the coach hasn’t been able to manage his players, who have fallen to squabbling, or the expectations of the fans. In short, this Cup has been an unmitigated disaster for the Blue Samurai. I hope they can pull off a final win, but Japan really needs to improve in every area.

Posted from  United States

I think the coach is the one to be blame coz he was unable to managed his team to play well in the match especially the match wif australia… There’s noting gonna do with the environment, I believe the Japanese would hv a good stamina. In conclusion, Japan should change the coach …!! Fired him… He ruin the whole team…

Posted from  Malaysia

Yer, i hate the coach! He is the one that suppose to be blame. There’s noting gonna do with the environment. I believe the Japanese has a good stamina. Maybe the coach had received some under table money otherwise he mislead the team… especially wif the Aus! The coach didn’t put change player to play. He jz let the same player to play in whole match. The coach jz ruin the whole team and they will be facing Brazil which would is a very tough team. In conclusion, the coach should be fired….

Posted from  Malaysia

How could the coach said that!! In the match wif Aus, he jz let the same player play in the whole match!! He ruin the whole team. Maybe there’s some under table $$ otherwise he misleas the team!! In conclusion, he should be fired… Wat a lousy coach!

Posted from  Malaysia

The COACH said that? Amazing. He just proved beyond a doubt what the problem is with the team.

Posted from  United States

I have no sympathy for pro athletes who whine about the temperature, even less for the coach. These guys do this for their income, it’s their job. This is all they have to do - train and then play the sport they love.

If they are not fit enough to play in these temps then the coach is at fault for either not working them harder or for picking such players in the first place. If they players can’t play 90 minutes in the temperature but they are fit, then their heart is not into it and they need to give their spot to someone who wants to play.

What nonsense.

Posted from  United States

Everybody knows in the world as well as at home that the temp is not the reason of the poor performance in the last 2 games - the next game with Brazil will prove it; Nobody in Japan believes Japan will get the one; if got it, Brazilian would blame their team and Japanese would be surprised by “Kamikaze”!!

Shall I get up 3:30am to watch this game? That is the question.

By the way, Zico is not a bad coach - he leveled up the Japan team for sure. He was also out of control due to the heat. That’s all.

Posted from  Australia

“He was also out of control due to the heat” — that’s GREAT

Posted from  United States

so is there anyway to watch the game in australia?

they are airing the australia vs croatia game first

Posted from  Australia

I watched the first game against socceroos of the Blue Samurai and part of the their second game against Croatia. Two points struck me the most: Japan players have skills, their ball passing was not bad But it was obvious that they dont have the physical to play a full 90-minute World cup game. They lost their game to Australia in the last 10 minutes. And even before that their strikers showed sign of fatigue: they were often outrun by Australian defenders and their strikes were light and unaccurate.
Japan certainly has a good team and a bright soccer future ahead of them. But they need to prepare better physically for the World Cup stage.
A draw against Brazil tomorrow can be acceptable for their fans. A win over the World Champions are very unlikely.
It is unfortunate that the Asian Champions are very likely going home after tomorrow. But I have no doubt their team will be better in years to come b/c they have the Samurai spirit, their soccer youth base is strong, and the Japaneses have their love for the game.

Posted from  United States

That is such a joke…goes along with how he failed to keep his team in top shape. Tsk tsk.

Posted from  Canada

finally, we saw how we were. we felt this was the world level. i think they fought well and regard them. i am looking forward to next world cup.

Posted from  Australia

Zico city….
http://sergica.miniville.fr/env/

Posted from  Italy