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Showdown Japan, Austrailia square off in battle for Pacific crown
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- If soccer's old guard still haven't heard the footsteps, Japan and Australia are making them sit up and take notice. The two Pacific powers meet Thursday in a semifinal game of the Confederations Cup, with the winner advancing to the final against world champion France or four-time World Cup winner Brazil. While no one is likely to be handing them the World Cup any time soon, their achievement is a clear sign that world-class soccer has spread beyond the traditional Europe-South America axis. Maybe it shouldn't be such a surprise. French coach Phillipe Troussier has been grooming the Japanese team since 1998 to prepare for next year's World Cup, which will be held jointly in Japan and South Korea. Still, few expected Japan to do this well. "Is it a surprise? Yes and no," Troussier said at a news conference Wednesday. Australian coach Frank Farina, whose team won the OFC Nations Cup and looked sharp in last summer's Sydney Olympics, had to answer the same sort of question. "Some of the comments, especially from FIFA representatives, are that they are delighted," he said in a teleconference Wednesday. "I wouldn't say they are surprised so much, but they are delighted with the style of football we play and fully deserve to be where we are." Both teams showed their merits in the first round. Australia stunned France 1-0 and knocked off defending Cup champion Mexico 2-0 before falling to co-host South Korea 2-1 and finishing second to France on goal difference in Group A. Japan did even better, posting three shutouts to take first in Group B. After downing Canada 3-0 and African champion Cameroon 2-0, the Japanese held powerful Brazil to a scoreless draw. "This is the result of a process that started three years ago," an ebullient Troussier said after the Brazil match. "Our confidence is full. It is important to have big targets, and I think we can [reach them]." Troussier worked on Japan's strengths: speed, discipline, movement and teamwork. The passing and tactical organization took a quantum leap with the development of 24-year-old Hidetoshi Nakata, a midfielder for AS Roma. After a 5-0 pounding by France in a friendly game this year, the Japanese regrouped and went head-to-head with Spain, losing 1-0 on a goal in injury time. "The response we had against Spain was for me a confirmation of the quality of the Japanese players," Troussier said. By finishing first, Japan gained a psychological boost by avoiding an encounter with France in the semifinals, he said. And the exuberant hometown fans could give his side an added edge. Still, Troussier played down the idea that his team is the favorite. "For Australia, it's better to play Japan than France or Brazil," he said. "We have to consider that a very experienced team beat France and Mexico, [and] we have to consider the great, great potential of Australia." The Socceroos may have great potential, but it's shrinking as they head toward the final. Brett Emerton headed home on Monday to attend his sister's wedding, while striker Clayton Zane - the hero of Australia's victory over France - will sit out the semifinal after picking up two yellow cards against South Korea. If the Socceroos get past Japan, they also will lose captain Paul Okon and Kevin Muscat. The two leave Friday to attend weddings back home, no matter what the outcome of Thursday's match. Farina admitted the absences were a blow to his team but less than devastating. "Brett didn't play the first game [against Mexico] and we coped very well without him," he said. "David Zdrilic will come in for Clayton and to be honest we won't lose too much there, as David is a real worker." The Aussies could get an edge from Tony Popovic and Steve Corica, who play for Hiroshima of Japan's J-League and have offered advice about their rivals. Still, Farina said he was more concerned about Japan as a team - although he admitted his side would have to find a way to shut down Nakata. With Josip Skoko and Stan Lazaridis back in the midfield, the Socceroos are bracing for a packed house at Yokohama International Stadium, an even bigger version of the cauldron they played in against South Korea. "It will be 77,000 to 11 -- intimidating but I think it brings the best out of our players," Farina said. "We are capable of doing anything," he said. "And we certainly don't fear Japan."
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