Japan target Copa America glory
Reuters - Tuesday 01 February 2011, 05:04
TOKYO - Flushed with pride, the coach of
Japan's Asian Cup-winning squad is eyeing July's Copa America as
another stepping stone for his Blue Samurai.
Alberto Zaccheroni took over from Okada Takeshi shortly
after the 2010 World Cup and tasted early success at the weekend
when Japan beat Australia 1-0 in extra time in the Asian Cup
final at Qatar's Khalifa Stadium.
"I have never been around a team where so many players came
off the bench to decide the outcome of games," he told Japanese
news agency Kyodo. "I am so proud to be coaching this team."
Japan will compete as guests at the Copa America where they
have been drawn with hosts Argentina.
Zaccheroni's side beat the Argentines in a friendly last
October in his debut as national coach and the two sides will
meet again in Group A of the Conmebol organised South American
Championship.
"This team got the job done at the Asian Cup so I see no
reason why they won't be the base for us," said Zaccheroni.
"The Copa America, just like the Asian Cup, will be about
gaining experience, growing together as a group.
"It will not be about winning a title. The teams we will
play at the Copa America will differ in style and quality from
those of the Asian Cup, and we will adjust to them as we need
to. That is the challenge."