WORLD CUP 2014

Want Four Finish Last In Japan 2010 World Cup



The giants of Asia are already looking ahead and aiming high ...

Now that Japan has achieved the qualification for the 2010 World Cup, coach Takeshi Okada has reiterated his desire to have a place in the last four in South Africa.

The Blue Samurai defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 in Tashkent on Saturday and are already looking ahead to next summer.

"I want my players to fight hard to reach the semifinals," the 52-year-old told reporters on his return from Central Asia.

"The final whistle sounded last night the launch of a new challenge for Japan. Once the [World Cup] calls, let us create a maximum of four games against the top sides."

Japan seeks to recover from a nightmare in the 2006 campaign that Shunsuke Nakamura remember.

"We've qualified for the World Cup, but it is only a stepping stone," said the Celtic midfielder.

"We have to get back up ourselves for the challenge ahead."

The chairman of the Japan Football Association was also a happy man.

"With the help of the passionate support of fans from Japan, we have cleared the first big step," said Motoaki Inukai.

"It's a relief to qualify. We now have a year to prepare thoroughly for the purpose of World Cup semi-finals."