Soccer: More Cup heartache for Zico

DORTMUND - Zico's unhappy relationship with the World Cup looks set to continue when his Japan team face his native Brazil in their final group F match.

Japan face the Herculean task of having to beat the world champions, who have already booked a place in the last 16, by at least two goals to have any hope of progressing.

Even if they achieve that, they must hope Australia fail to beat Croatia in the other game being played at the same time.

Japan have managed only one goal in 180 minutes of action at this World Cup, while Brazil have not conceded a goal in their last six internationals.

Bolivia were the last team to score against the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifier in La Paz in October.

If Japan make an early exit, it will mean more World Cup heartache for Zico following two unhappy experiences with Brazil during his playing days.

Considered one of the best players in Brazil's illustrious history, Zico played in the memorable 1982 team who took the game to new heights in their first four matches.

Brazil looked unbeatable yet slumped out when shambolic defending sent them tumbling to a 3-2 loss to Italy in one of the greatest games the tournament has seen.

Four years later, Zico's participation was limited as he was still recovering from a knee injury.

He missed a late penalty that would have given Brazil a 2-1 quarter-final win over France and they were eliminated in the shootout after the match finished 1-1.

Zico, whose Japan team held Brazil 2-2 in last year's Confederations Cup and were only denied a win when Marcos made a superb late save, still believes in what seems an impossibility.

"We have played Brazil before and I don't think they're an opponent who particularly frightens us," Zico said.

"We have to work out a way to beat them."

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira may be tempted to make some changes to see if his team improve on their first two performances.

Although the world champions beat Croatia 1-0 and Australia 2-0, their play was below the level expected from a side with such an embarrassing array of talent.

Parreira has not yet given any clues as to whether he will make any adjustments.

But he is likely to persist with troubled striker Ronaldo, believing the out-of-form striker will improve as he gets more match practice.

* TOMORROW

Japan v Brazil
Dortmund, 7am

- REUTERS