5 Apr 2004(Mon)

While Jubilo Iwata have their critics as well as their admirers, at least one player seems to be a favourite of everybody.

That's Toshiya Fujita, who came to Japan's rescue in Singapore on Wednesday night.

With Japan toiling in the tropical conditions, Zico sent on Fujita for Shunsuke Nakamura in the 67th minute.

The score was an embarrassing 1-1 at the time, the home side having equalised in the 63rd minute.

Fujita gave Japan new life.

He should have scored in the 70th minute, but shot wide with his left foot at the far post after good work on the right wing from another substitute, Takayuki Suzuki.

It was looking desperate for Japan, as a draw would have been a humiliating result and poor reward for the fans who had created a fantastic atmosphere in the sultry, steaming night.

But then Toshiya struck, on 82 minutes, blasting a loose ball high into the net after the goalkeeper had dropped Nakata's left-wing corner.

What happened next impressed me as much as his desire to score the goal.

He ran to the touchline, punching the air as the Japanese fans celebrated. Then he jumped into the arms of one of the substitutes.

Now this was more like it!

Here, in the form of 32-year-old veteran Fujita, was some passion and some pride. The goal meant a lot to him and more to his team, and he actually behaved like it did.

After the game I asked Zico about Fujita's attitude, but he was very blase with his answer.

"This is what I expect from the other players as well, even if you are outside the pitch. You have the chance to go in and show what you can do," said Zico.

Nakata's assessment was more telling.

He said, in English, that other players could learn a lot from Fujita's experience.

"I do not see real enthusiasm in our team. It is always like we are playing a friendly match, not a real match. I do not understand. It's a mental thing," said Nakata.

This is the kind of answer Zico should have given. Criticise the players. Warn the Euro stars that their place in the team is under threat.

Just as the coach should have been shouting at his players during the match when lazy or casual play allowed Singapore to believe they might actually beat Japan.

No wonder Jubilo fans worship Toshiya Fujita.

ends