Topic Browser

John Duerden examines the task ahead for the attack-minded new Japan boss Alberto Zaccheroni.

Former Juventus boss Alberto Zaccheroni has been named as Japan's new coach, replacing the departed Takeshi Okada.

Kashima Antlers coach Oswaldo Oliveira would relish the chance to become the next Japan coach should he be offered the position.

Japan Football Association technical director Hiromi Hara will take charge of the national team for two upcoming friendlies after being frustrated in his search for a new manager.

Matthias Krug talks to Mohammed Bin Hammam about Asian football development and a World Cup swap with Europe

John Duerden explains why a successful World Cup has rescued Takeshi Okada's reputation in Japan.

John Duerden feels Asia showed it can be more than just an economic powerhouse at the World Cup.

The Japan Football Association has begun its search for a new national team coach after Takeshi Okada reiterated his intention to step down.

Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has retired from international football after spending most of the World Cup on the bench.

Matthias Krug on a bitter-sweet World Cup for Asian teams and the travails of Japan.

John Brewin watched Paraguay beat Japan in the first penalty shootout of the tournament.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has conceded that he may quit after his team's exit from the tournament at the hands of Paraguay.

Takeshi Okada wants to prove how far the game has come in his country by leading Japan into the quarter-finals of the World Cup finals.

Japan's stylish and deserved victory over Denmark in the final group game has raised expectations that the nation can go further than they have before and reach the last eight of the World Cup.

Yasuhito Endo remains confident Japan can fulfil the bold prediction of coach Takeshi Okada and secure a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Japan defender Marcus 'Tulio' Tanaka will be fit to face Paraguay in the second round clash on Tuesday after shrugging off a back complaint.

Shinji Okazaki has warned Paraguay that Japan have "nothing to lose'' as they bid for an historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Needing just a draw to progress, two wonderful free-kicks from Keisuke Honda and then Yasuhito Endo in the first-half helped Japan to a 3-1 win over Denmark, knocking the Danes out and setting up a clash with Paraguay in the second round.

Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is an injury doubt for his side's crucial Group E clash with Japan on Thursday, though coach Morten Olsen remains "incredibly optimistic" that his side can advance to the second round.

Specialists at this stage of the competition, if Denmark beat Japan they will reach the second round of the World Cup for the fourth time in four World Cup appearances.

Japan captain Makoto Hasebe has revealed coach Takeshi Okada has urged his players to put everything on the line in Thursday's World Cup showdown with Denmark with a place in the second round at stake.

Ernst Bouwes is coming to terms with Netherlands' efficient, if not 'Total' football at the World Cup.

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk was satisfied with his team's performance after their narrow 1-0 win over Japan in Durban.

Japan's rising star Keisuke Honda savoured the moment after steering his side to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon on Monday, 24 hours on from his 24th birthday.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen could not hide his disappointment following his side's 1-0 defeat by Japan in their Group E opener.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada is quietly confident his side can return to winning ways in their opening game against Cameroon on Monday.

Japan wound up their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa preparations with another disappointing performance - a scoreless draw with Zimbabwe in a training match.

Japan playmaker Keisuke Honda has said Japan will have an attacking philosophy at the World Cup as they look to qualify from a group containing Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon, who they play in their opening game on Monday.

Japan will play Mozambique in a hastily-arranged final pre-FIFA World Cup friendly to allow coach Takeshi Okada to finetune his plans.

Russia-based playmaker Keisuke Honda has hit back at Japan's critics following four consecutive defeats in the build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.