GAMBLOG UK - WE ARE ENGLAND - Japan For World Cup Semis

Japan can reach World Cup semis says Zico
Japan are capable of upsetting the odds and reaching the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, according to their Brazilian coach Zico.
Co-hosts Japan reached the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup and despite being grouped with his homeland, and reigning champions, Brazil, Zico believes the country can reach the last four in Germany.

"We are 18th in the FIFA world rankings but I think we are better than that and can beat anyone on our day," Zico said in an interview with Kicker magazine.

"We could reach the semi-finals but beating Australia in our first game could be crucial."

Japan face Australia on June 12 in Kaiserslautern and then further Group F matches against Croatia and Brazil.

French coach Philippe Troussier guided Japan at the last World Cup but Zico, scorer of 52 goals in 72 internationals for Brazil, believes he has added a new dimension to the team over the past four years.

"In 2002 we missed that extra physical ingredient. Japan would not have gone out at the last 16 stage if they had that.

"I needed to alter the Japanese mentality and make the players more aggressive.

"I have done this and given the players more freedom to express themselves."

Japan were the first team to qualify for the 64 match World Cup finals after cruising through their qualification group.