09/12/2005
Japan coach Zico 'happy' with Brazil draw
Japan coach Zico said he was happy to be drawn
alongside his native Brazil at next year's World Cup in Germany.
Australia and Croatia were also drawn in Group F on Friday but Zico put a
positive spin on having to play World Cup holders Brazil in their final match of
the group stage.
"I'm not really surprised we have to play Brazil," shrugged Zico. "This sort of
thing happens. Hopefully it will be easier to play them in the group stages than
later in the tournament.
"I thought fate could have been kinder but... I couldn't help smiling."
Japan open their campaign against Guus Hiddink's Australia in Kaiserslautern on
June 12 before playing Croatia in Nuremburg on June 18.
"Australia will be absolutely fired up for the opening game so that will be a
key match," Zico said.
"Other than that I'm not bothered what order we play out opponents."
Japan Football Association chairman Saburo Kawabuchi expressed relief at not
being put in Group C where Argentina were drawn with the Netherlands, Ivory
Coast and Serbia & Montenegro.
"We certainly didn't want to be in with them," he said.
"I can't say this is a dream group either but we'll have to live with it."
Kawabuchi added: "Zico was saying 'it's alright, it's alright' so he's not
worried. If we get through the group Zico's charisma can carry us."
Japan have never beaten Brazil but pushed them in a 2-2 draw at this year's
Confederations Cup.