World Cup Corner

Japan has won their first game under new coach Ivica Osim. Brazilian born Alex’s first-half double gave Ivica Osim the perfect start with a 2-0 home victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

After the match Osim said:

Generally speaking, it was good as the first match. We played with a good tempo from the start and looked sharp even though we only had three days together before the match. There were some encouraging signs but we have to make sure we can maintain that sort of tempo for the full 90 minutes. By running more, Japan should be able to compete better with physically larger players from foreign countries.

Osim did not call home Europe-based stars for the match, which served as a warm-up for Japan’s home Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen next week.