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French test Japan hopes to erase painful Paris memoriesPosted: Tuesday June 17, 2003 6:43 AMPARIS (Reuters) -- Japan takes on New Zealand in the opening match of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday keen to erase the memories of the last match it played in France. The Japanese suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of France in a friendly in March 2001 at the Stade de France. It was also knocked out of the 1998 World Cup finals, hosted by France, after losing all three matches and scoring only one goal. "If we get a good result, it will help us going into the other two games. We may be the underdogs against France but I believe we are better than New Zealand and Colombia," Japan coach Zico said. Japan was runner-up to France in the 2001 Confederations Cup but the Asian champion arrived for this year's tournament on the back of three disappointing results -- a 1-0 home defeat by South Korea and then a goalless draw against Paraguay and a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the Kirin Cup. "This will be a good opportunity to show the world what we can do," said Brazilian Zico, who took over as Japan coach from Frenchman Philippe Troussier after last year's World Cup. "Our players might be a little nervous or excited as it's the first match but I want them to control the mental aspects of the game as well." Zico also has something to prove. He was assistant coach to Mario Zagallo when Brazil was beaten 3-0 by France in the 1998 World Cup final. New Zealand played in the 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico, losing all three of its matches, but it is keen to atone for its disappointments. "This time around we will be out for results," said defender Ryan Nelsen, who was a member of the 1999 squad. "Last time I think the players might have been a bit daunted, looking for respect. "But now with more of our guys playing overseas we have more experience and we will be ready to go." Japan and New Zealand, who meet at the Stade de France, are in Group A of the June 18-29 tournament with Colombia and France.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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