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Japan coach Okada defiant despite latest setback
February 15, 2010, Monday
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JAPAN coach Takeshi Okada is remaining defiant in the face of widespread criticism for his side's latest disappointing display and insists preparations are on track for this year's World Cup finals.
A 3-1 defeat to fiercest rivals South Korea in the final game of the East Asian championship yesterday once again undermined his lofty semi-final target for South Africa but a contrite Okada sees no reason to lower his expectations.
"I deeply apologize we were not able to win the title at home," the 53-year-old told reporters after South Korea's victory allowed China to claim a surprise tournament triumph.
"I accept the criticism but I will not be changing my objectives for the World Cup. I don't believe targeting the last four puts unwanted pressure on the players."
He added: "I take responsibility for the results and can't throw players out as long as I have their support."
Banners calling for Okada's dismissal were visible among a crowd of 43,000 in Tokyo while a furious Japan Football Association (JFA) chief Motoaki Inukai vented his frustration towards the embattled coach.
"These performances will be unacceptable at the World Cup," Inukai told reporters.
"At this stage, I am not intending to replace the coach before the World Cup but we will decide collectively."
China's 2-0 win over Hong Kong earlier yesterday meant Japan needed to beat South Korea by three goals to win their first East Asian title outright but the hosts were outplayed once Lee Dong-gook equalized from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute.
Yasuhito Endo's spot kick had opened the scoring for the hosts.
The contrast in unity among the two sides was highlighted following Lee Seung-yeoul's superb long-range blast six minutes later.
In a show of support for coach Huh Jung-moo, the Korean players celebrated by sprinting to the bench and sinking to their knees and bowing.
Over on the Japanese bench the mood was somber, striker Keiji Tamada refusing to shake Okada's hand on being substituted before petulantly throwing his gloves to the floor.
Midfielder Kim Jae-sung curled in a superb third for the Koreans in the 70th minute after both teams had been reduced to 10 men.
Despite failing to qualify for this year's World Cup, China coach Gao Hongbo was full of praise for his side after they finished on seven points from three games to South Korea's six and Japan's four. Hong Kong lost all three matches.
"This title shows the potential of Chinese football," he said. "With continued hard work we can catch up with Asia's top teams like South Korea and Japan."
A 3-1 defeat to fiercest rivals South Korea in the final game of the East Asian championship yesterday once again undermined his lofty semi-final target for South Africa but a contrite Okada sees no reason to lower his expectations.
"I deeply apologize we were not able to win the title at home," the 53-year-old told reporters after South Korea's victory allowed China to claim a surprise tournament triumph.
"I accept the criticism but I will not be changing my objectives for the World Cup. I don't believe targeting the last four puts unwanted pressure on the players."
He added: "I take responsibility for the results and can't throw players out as long as I have their support."
Banners calling for Okada's dismissal were visible among a crowd of 43,000 in Tokyo while a furious Japan Football Association (JFA) chief Motoaki Inukai vented his frustration towards the embattled coach.
"These performances will be unacceptable at the World Cup," Inukai told reporters.
"At this stage, I am not intending to replace the coach before the World Cup but we will decide collectively."
China's 2-0 win over Hong Kong earlier yesterday meant Japan needed to beat South Korea by three goals to win their first East Asian title outright but the hosts were outplayed once Lee Dong-gook equalized from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute.
Yasuhito Endo's spot kick had opened the scoring for the hosts.
The contrast in unity among the two sides was highlighted following Lee Seung-yeoul's superb long-range blast six minutes later.
In a show of support for coach Huh Jung-moo, the Korean players celebrated by sprinting to the bench and sinking to their knees and bowing.
Over on the Japanese bench the mood was somber, striker Keiji Tamada refusing to shake Okada's hand on being substituted before petulantly throwing his gloves to the floor.
Midfielder Kim Jae-sung curled in a superb third for the Koreans in the 70th minute after both teams had been reduced to 10 men.
Despite failing to qualify for this year's World Cup, China coach Gao Hongbo was full of praise for his side after they finished on seven points from three games to South Korea's six and Japan's four. Hong Kong lost all three matches.
"This title shows the potential of Chinese football," he said. "With continued hard work we can catch up with Asia's top teams like South Korea and Japan."
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