Zico prepares for Japan's toughest test
So far so good.
That's how Zico and Japan must be feeling about the qualifying tournament for the 2006 World Cup.
With a maximum 12 points from four Group 3 games, it would be tempting to think Japan already has one foot in the final, eight-team qualifying round.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
Just three points back are Oman, and the fifth round of Group 3 matches on October 13 will see Oman entertain Japan in Muscat.
Without doubt this will be the most important match for Japan since Zico took charge in July 2002.
After winning 2-0 in Singapore on Wednesday night, the Omanis were already looking ahead to this pivotal group fixture.
If Oman can win in front of their own fans in Muscat, then Japan's efforts may all have been in vain.
Oman, for sure, will not be frightened by Japan's array of stars, even though they are the Asian champions .
After all, the Omanis will feel they were unlucky to lose to Japan on two occasions already this year, both by 1-0 scorelines in World Cup qualifying at Saitama and Asian Cup group play in China.
The tiny Gulf state will no doubt be promising their players riches to beat Japan and qualify for the final round, from which 4.5 of the eight teams will head for Germany.
(The 4.5, in FIFA talk, means four automatic qualifiers, plus half a place for Asia in a playoff with the CONCACAF zone).
After losing to Kubo's injury-time goal at Saitama, Oman have virtually matched Japan goal for goal since then.
After four games, Japan have scored 14 goals and conceded only one--in Singapore--and Oman have scored 14 and conceded two.
But the experiences of the Japanese players in China and in Calcutta on Wednesday should help them in Muscat, and it will be a big surprise if they do not win this match, too.
Even though a draw would be good enough for Japan to win the group, I expect Japan to come out on top with another narrow victory.
Then the hard work really begins, when the eight group winners are divided into two groups of four, playing on a home and away basis in 2005.
ends
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