17 Jun 2004(Thu)

A few weeks ago, Olympic team coach Masakuni Yamamoto was in an enviable position.

Japan's under-23s had just qualified for their third consecutive Olympics, and Yamamoto was given first choice of the three overage players he wanted for Athens.

After much thought and analysis, Yamamoto decided on Sogahata in goal, Ono in midfield and Takahara up front.

Up until now, only Sogahata has been given clearance to play.

The JFA is still waiting to hear from Feyenoord about the availability of Ono, and Takahara has been struck down again with the ailment which cost him his place in the 2002 World Cup.

It's understandable why Feyenoord are not keen to release Ono.

First, the Olympics is not a big priority in Europe. Second, Ono is one of the team's best players, and the 2004-05 Dutch season starts during the Olympics.

Ono may be appointed captain next season, and new manager Ruud Gullit wants him for the preseason build-up.

Takahara has still not been ruled out of the Olympics. He is back in Japan, and if the JFA medical team declares him fit, officials are confident his club, Hamburger SV, will allow him to play in Athens.

So Yamamoto must still wait, and wonder which players will be available, when he would have liked all this cleared up by now.

If Ono and Taka are not available, Yamamoto looks set to go with only one overage player: Sogahata.

Apparently, he has not asked the JFA and Zico for any other senior players, who will be on duty at the Asian Cup in China, starting July 17.

If this is the case, it's a bold move by Yamamoto, and the "Young Blues" must raise their game to repay the faith in the coach's decision.

Looking back on Japan's qualifying campaign, I thought the three weak areas were goalkeeper, left side of midfield and centre forward.

Was Yamamoto going to play Ono on the left, in defensive midfield alongside, presumably, Konno, or as attacking midfielder, behind the two strikers?

Perhaps we'll never know now.

ends