26 Jun 2003(Thu)

When the names of the Japanese players were announced to the crowd before each Confederations Cup game, most of them were unknown to the local people.

But when the name of the coach was read out, the French fans gave Zico appreciative applause.

This is because of his stature as a player, of course, not as a coach, and in particular the 1986 World Cup classic between France and Brazil.

Clearly Zico is respected around the world for his ability as a player, and for the part he played in World Cup history.

It was very sad, therefore, to see him shouting and complaining to another World Cup great, Michel Platini, after France had beaten Japan 2-1 at Saint Etienne.

Zico was annoyed with FIFA's choice of referees: Coffi Codjia of Benin for the New Zealand game, and Mark Shield of Australia for the France match.

He said that, by appointing referees from so-called developing football countries, FIFA did not respect Japan's standing in the world game.

Zico made his feelings clear to Platini, then to the media after the match, then to the media again after training the following day.

But I feel Zico's rantings came across as sour grapes after a defeat, a bad excuse from a losing coach, and did Japanese football no favors.

Maybe Mr.Codjia was too weak, otherwise he would have shown a second yellow card to Alex for diving in the 32nd minute of the New Zealand game. Alex had already been booked for an early foul, and a second yellow for cheating would have brought about his dismissal.

Maybe then, with 10 men, Japan might not have beaten the poor New Zealand team.

Against France, at first I thought the referee was harsh to award France a penalty when Jean-Alain Boumsong fell to the floor as a right wing corner came across.

But TV replays showed emphatically that he was being hampered by Inamoto, who had both arms around the Frenchman as he tried to meet the corner kick.

The referee was right on the spot, and sadly for Japan his call was correct. Ina was shown the yellow card, ruling him out of the Colombia game because he had been booked in the New Zealand match, too.

It is sad to hear Zico complaining like this about the referees.

Everyone in the Japan camp has a lot to learn from this Confederations Cup failure.

ends