Soccer: Japan going all out for top spot

OSAKA - World Cup co-hosts Japan, already one of the biggest stories of the finals, have set their sights on finishing top of group H by beating Tunisia in their final group match tonight.

Japan made national history by drawing 2-2 with Belgium and then beating Russia 1-0 to head the group and erase the memory of losing all three games on their finals debut four years ago.

Japan have four points, Russia three, Belgium two and Tunisia one.

But the Asian champions, who only need a point to progress to the knockout stage, are in no mood to suffer a letdown against a Tunisian side who will advance at their expense if they win by a two-goal margin.

"We can't be satisfied with just one win," said Japan defender Tsuneyasu Miyamoto. "We want three points to finish top of the group. Tunisia are an unpredictable side, so we can't afford to get careless."

Tunisia kept their campaign alive with a 1-1 draw against Belgium on Monday, but their coach Ammar Souayah has voiced doubts about their ability to beat Japan.

"We don't really have much of a chance," he said. "They are at home with their own crowd, they have a very, very good team and it's going to be very, very difficult."

Japan are taking no chances and their French coach, Philippe Troussier, is expected to name an unchanged team for the match in Osaka.

Midfielder Junichi Inamoto, who scored in both previous games and was twice named the man of the match, will again be the focus of attention, especially with Hidetoshi Nakata still trying to shake off a knock he picked up against Belgium.

Tunisia will be forced to commit numbers to attack, which could lead to an open game.. Playmaker Kais Ghodhbane could make life awkward for Japan if given time on the ball, while Hassen Gabsi and Ziad Jaziri will keep the defence occupied.

Japan have the added motivation of wanting to avoid the fate of the runners-up - a meeting with group A favourites Brazil in the next round.

In Shizuoka, Belgium and Russia, favourites to qualify from the group before the tournament began, face off knowing only one can progress to the last 16.

The game is likely to be the last in charge for the losing coach.

Belgium's Robert Waseige has already announced he is stepping down to take over at Belgian club Standard Liege next season.

Russian counterpart Oleg Romantsev, who is also coach of Spartak Moscow, will almost certainly be forced out should Russia fail to qualify from one of the easiest groups in the tournament.

Russia have the simpler task, needing only a draw after having beaten Tunisia 2-0 before losing to Japan.

Romantsev hopes to have playmaker Alexander Mostovoi fit again after nearly four weeks out with a hamstring injury. His expected return should benefit teenagers Dmitry Sychev and Marat Izamilov, the only bright sparks so far for the Russians.

Dour Belgium, lucky to escape with a draw against Japan, and held to a draw by Tunisia, at least have a fully fit squad.With only a victory sufficient, Waseige must abandon his normal caution.Russia will have to watch experienced Belgian captain Marc Wilmots, who has scored two finals goals already.

- REUTERS

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