November 7, 2004

Finally after much thought, Japan coach Zico has decided not to include veterans Kazuyoshi Miura, Masashi Nakayama and Yutaka Akita in his squad for the World Cup 2006 qualifier on November 17.

With Japan already securing their spot in the final round of the World Cup 2006 qualifiers following last month’s 1-0 win over Oman, the Brazilian had suggested that he would recall the trio for the clash against Singapore in Saitama as a tribute for their contribution to Japanese football.

The move though has been criticized by J-League clubs & the Japanese media who have accused Zico of showing a lack of respect to the Singapore team.

The Japan coach has opted instead to name an 18-man squad composed entirely of J-League players including AFC Young Player of the Year Yoshito Okubo, who makes his first appearance in the World Cup qualifiers after being involved with the U23 side for the Olympic Qualifiers earlier in the year.

Japan squad

Goalkeepers:

Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight)

Defence:

Atsuhiro Miura (Tokyo Verdy), Makoto Tanaka (Jubilo Iwata), Yuji Nakazawa, Naoki Matsuda (both Yokohama F.Marinos), Alex (Urawa Reds), Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka), Akira Kaji (FC Tokyo)

Midfield:

Toshiya Fujita, Takashi Fukunishi (both Jubilo), Mitsuo Ogasawara, Masashi Motoyama, Koji Nakata (all Kashima Antlers), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba)

Forward:

Takayuki Suzuki (Kashima), Keiji Tamada (Kashiwa Reysol), Yoshito Okubo (Cerezo Osaka)