Soccer: Cup hosts the life and soul of their party

YOKOHAMA - Co-hosts Japan have defied the formbook twice and now stand on the brink of a place in the second round after their 1-0 win over Russia lifted them to the top of group H.

Japan coach Philippe Troussier, who is set to return to Europe at the end of the cup, was full of praise for his players but refused to get carried away.

"It was a tremendous performance when we really needed a win. I'm proud to be the coach of Japan at such a historic moment," the Frenchman said. "But when we get back to our camp we have to concentrate again on making sure we reach the second round."

Japan, who lost all their games in their World Cup debut four years ago, earned their first point at this level in the 2-2 draw with Belgium last Tuesday. They went one better against Russia in Yokohama, courtesy of a 51st-minute strike from man-of-the-match Junichi Inamoto.

A point against Tunisia in Osaka on Friday would be enough for Japan to advance to the knockout stage, although Troussier is under no illusions that qualification is now a foregone conclusion.

"The pressure was really on us to get a victory against Russia and it will be the same against Tunisia. The main goal for us is still to reach the second round, but we know we still have work to do to achieve that," he said.

Apart from Inamoto, who scored his second goal of the tournament in another wonderful allround display, Troussier will have been heartened by the form of midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata after a difficult week for the Parma player.

Nakata, upset by recent reports that he would retire from international football after the tournament, orchestrated Japan's best moves and almost scored what would have been one of the goals of the tournament when a 30m drive crashed against the bar in the 71st minute.



Inamoto was keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite his second man-of-the-match performance.

"We might have made some history tonight, but it will count for little if we don't get through to the next round," he said.

- REUTERS

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