8 Nov 2004(Mon)

Common sense has prevailed!

I am talking, of course, about Zico's decision not to select a few veteran players for Japan's "dead" World Cup qualifier against Singapore on November 17.

He announced his squad on Friday, and it did not contain the likes of Gon, Kazu and Akita--three players he was considering calling up to show his appreciation of their contribution to Japanese football.

While this was a noble gesture by Zico, it was the wrong time and the wrong place for such a move, and the Brazilian coach changed his mind due to the negative publicity it had generated.

Earlier in the week, Zico had said that criticism of the plan was showing disrespect to the players in question.

But I think Zico missed the point.

I have been against the plan from day one, since reading it at Kansai Airport on my way back from Oman, and my reasons were nothing to do with not respecting the veteran players.

Kazu is a model professional, whose work ethic and attitude should be a benchmark for others to follow.

Gon, too, has the enthusiasm which must be the envy of players half his age, and the spectacular goals record to go with it.

Akita has always been a big favourite: a rough, tough, English-style centre half, who was the rock on which Kashima Antlers' success was built.

So, no, I do not disrespect these players.

It's just that a World Cup qualifying match is not the time to hold a benefit game.

If Zico wants to reward them for their contribution, let the JFA organise a separate match just for this purpose.

How about a Japan Over 30s team against a South Korean Over-30s team in the Kirin Golden Oldies Super Challenge Cup? This would fill National Stadium, and be a fitting tribute to players such as Kazu, Gon and Akita.

Going back to Zico's squad for the Singapore match, I don't think he has gone far enough in looking at new players.

Only Okubo returns, and surely the time is right for "Young Yoshito" to notch his first senior goal.

I would like to have seen Zico pick more Olympic players, or choose from outside the group, because I think he needs to develop his squad next year in time for the 2006 World Cup.

I said before the likes of Moniwa, Konno and Ishikawa would gain great experience from this match, and there was room for a new face such as Murai on the left wing.

On the other hand, Zico cannot be accused of being disloyal to his squad members, and he plans to give a run to several players who have sat on the bench waiting patiently for their chance.

This makes much more sense than his original idea, and is a fair compromise after his decision to scrap his "Golden Oldies" plan.

The JFA can sleep more peacefully now, with their credibility in tact.

ends