2 Aug 2004(Mon)

Now that's more like it!

After five games without a win and three games without a goal, Japan's Olympic team burst into life at Tokyo's National Stadium on Friday night and crushed Venezuela 4-0.

Japan really needed a good performance and a few goals to boost confidence ahead of their Olympic opener against Paraguay on Aug. 12.

That's exactly what they produced, and the fact that all four goals were scored by forwards was even more good news for head coach Masakuni Yamamoto, whose "Young Blues" tore the South Americans apart in an exhilarating second-half display.

After being unable to secure the services of Naohiro Takahara to lead his forward line in Athens, Yamamoto, I believe, has taken a big gamble in entrusting the job to either Sota Hirayama or Daiki Takamatsu.

At least one of these would not have been in the squad had Takahara been available, so Yamamoto will be hoping they can repay his faith in them when they get to Athens.

Hirayama was unlucky not to score in the first half when his low shot struck the inside of the post and bounced out, but a few minutes later he should have buried a straightforward header at the back post, but directed it at the keeper.

When, in the 59th minute, he soared at the back post again to head powerfully into the net, the relief was almost visible. After all, it was his first goal for the Olympic team since a similar effort against Iran on his debut at Saitama on Feb. 8.

Okubo's goal was a cracker, controlling Matsui's clever pass with his right foot and then lashing it in with his left without breaking stride, and Tanaka gave Japan another dimension when introduced during the second half. He set up Takamatsu's diving header, and then scored the fourth himself with a crisp strike.

Just as importantly, Japan kept a clean sheet at the back against a robust and lively Venezuela national team.

The fans were, well, fan-tastic, and gave Japan a rousing send-off.

With Ono due to join up with them at the training camp in Germany next week, Yamamoto must be feeling much better than he did a week ago.

But it's important not to get carried away by Friday night's victory, as Paraguay, Italy and Ghana will be very tough and experienced opposition.

Japan will need to play at the same pace and intensity, and continue to take their chances, to get out of the group.

ends