October 30, 2004

Despite assuring they are not treating Singapore match as an exhibition, Japan coach Zico still intends to continue with his plan to field 3 veteran former internationals in his squad for next month’s World Cup 2006 qualifying clash against Singapore in Saitama.

With Japan already securing top spot in the group & a place in the next round of the World Cup qualifiers following their 1-0 win in Oman earlier this month, the match against Singapore on November 17 has been rendered fairly meaningless. However, the Japan Football Association (JFA) has drawn criticism after plans to field veterans Kazuyoshi Miura, Masashi Nakayama and Yutaka Akita in the Japan squad were revealed.

Zico insists though that the decision to utilize the veterans will not weaken the squad and is not meant as a sign of disrespect for the Singaporeans, whom they defeated 2-1 in an early qualifier in March.

Zico said the level will not dip & it is a match they fully intend to win. At the same time though, it will be a festival & he want to call up players that have helped build the history of the national side as a token of gratitude.