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Japan seeks individualism
NIIGATA, Japan (AP) -- If Japan's national soccer coach Philippe Troussier could have his way, all of his players would wear the captain's armband. It's part of the Frenchman's efforts to take his team beyond the group mentality and breed individualism, self-reliance and risk-taking as Japan prepares to take on Canada in the Confederations Cup. "Now I have an idea. I'd like to put the captain's mark on all of my players," Troussier said half-seriously at a press conference on Wednesday, the eve of the clash with Canada. "If this is the image we need to take more risks, to take more decisions it will help." Japan has progressed from being a third-rate soccer nation to a serious contender by developing superb technical skills and working effectively as a group. However, only a few players - notably Hidetoshi Nakata, who plays for AS Roma in Italy -- have shown the flair and imagination required to make a big impact on the international stage. Troussier used to emphasize how the collective spirit was the key to Japan's success. Now, he says, he wants more. "I expect from my players an individual attitude," he said. He said creativity will be essential if Japan wants to be successful in the 2002 World Cup, which it will host with South Korea. Japan is widely expected to have a relatively easy time with Canada, before taking on tougher opponents -- Cameroon and Brazil -- in the Confederations Cup qualifying round. Canada's national team coach Holger Osieck, who coached two seasons in Japan's J-League, was modest about Canada's chances. "For Canada it's the first time to appear in a big tournament like this," he said. "We're outsiders. Whatever strength Canada has we want to show." He said his experience coaching in Japan won't necessarily be an advantage. "The J-League and the national team are two different pairs of shoes. I don't know if it helps or not. We'll see tomorrow." Canada has already been knocked out of contention from the 2002 World Cup finals, but Troussier says Japan will face a big challenge on Thursday. "The opening match is always a difficult game, maybe the hardest," he said. "Japan is not in a situation to easily beat Canada." He said the Canadians have several key advantages -- physical strength, height, and, above all, experience playing in Europe -- that will make things difficult for his side. "Athletically we're no match,' he said bluntly. "Technically Japan is better, but Canada is a better team in experience." He noted that 12 of Canada's players make their living in Europe. Only two players on the Japanese roster play in Europe. The unwillingness of Japanese pro clubs to allow their players to transfer abroad is what is holding Japan back from becoming a major soccer nation, Troussier said. "If we had a coach from the Philippines and all of our players in Europe we'd be a much better team," he said. "In Japan it's business first and then sports." Several young Japanese players have been linked recently to top European clubs, but their departure has been blocked by their J-League clubs. Creative midfielder Shinji Ono, who gained a spot in the national team after a frustrating spell of injuries, had little to say about speculation that he may be heading for Europe. "You should ask my club that, not me," he said. Adding to Troussier's worries in the Confederations Cup is the injuries of several players that have formed the backbone of Japan's recent success. Playmaker Hiroshi Nanami, deft-footed midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and striker Naohiro Takahara are all unavailable. But the players said they won't have any excuses if they don't put on a good show. "If we don't produce results we'll be vilified," said defensive midfielder Junichi Inamoto. "The excuse that there were injured players won't wash if we lose. It's a good opportunity for some players without international experience to play."
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