12BET J League News Update 11/8

Zaccheroni focused at scene of Doha triumph

DOHA — Alberto Zaccheroni returned to the site where he lifted the Asian Cup 10 months ago on Sunday, but the Japan coach was in no mood to reminisce, turning his attention to the two matches that could see his side take a sure step to the next World Cup in Brazil."I'm not a person who looks at the past," Zaccheroni said after an evening training session in the Qatari capital of Doha and a 16-hour journey from Japan. "I always look forward to what is to come."My main objective was never to win the Asian Cup. The objective all long has been to qualify for the 2014 World Cup."Without the Europe-based players apart from defender Maya Yoshida, Japan ran and stretched for an hour at the complex which housed the Asian Cup final, where the Blue Samurai defeated Australia in extra time to win the title for a record fourth time on Jan. 29.Zaccheroni stressed he chose Doha for technical reasons to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers on Nov. 11 and 15 in Tajikistan and North Korea, respectively, and not out of superstition.If Japan beats Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan defeats North Korea on the same day, Zaccheroni's side qualifies for the final qualifying round with two games to spare."Here in Doha, the pitch condition is excellent and it is an ideal place for preparations," the Italian said. "It is the perfect choice."- by http://www.japantimes.co.jp

By sportsbookfanatic with No comments