Thursday, March 23, 2006

Japan coach Zico on Wednesday played down concerns over captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto's lack of playing time at J-League club Gamba Osaka and insists he is still the man to lead the Asian champions.

Gamba manager Akira Nishino has been reluctant to use Miyamoto in a four-man backline and the 29-year-old defender has not started in any of Gamba's league matches so far this season.

"It's up to the manager of each club to make selection decisions. They put what they think is the best team on the pitch. Of course for me it's best to have players that are playing regularly but I'm not in a position to stick my nose in," Zico said at the squad announcement for Japan's upcoming home friendly with Ecuador.

"He (Miyamoto) is the Japan captain. He is a talented player and has great leadership qualities and I have high hopes of him continuing to be that player," he said.

Zico expressed his appreciation to Gamba for allowing the release of Miyamoto, Yasuhito Endo and Akira Kaji for the March 30 match in Oita, which takes place the day after the defending J-League champions Gamba are scheduled to play a league match against Omiya Ardija.

"I understand the feelings of these three players. They want to be completely prepared with the World Cup being just around the corner and that's why I have picked them. I'm pleased and grateful for Gamba's cooperation."

The Brazilian coach has recalled Nagoya Grampus Eight striker Keiji Tamada to the 23-man squad while club teammate Seigo Narazaki was also back in the fold after recovering from injury.

Tamada won his first call-up of the year after a lengthy spell sidelined with a stress fracture as Zico picked five strikers.

"Tamada is coming back after a long while out injured. I wanted to have a look at him and see what he can do," said Zico.

With none of Japan's overseas-based stars available, Zico also recalled Urawa Reds midfielder Makoto Hasebe and JEF United Chiba duo Yuki Abe and Seiichiro Maki.

Shinji Ono, who on Tuesday scored his first goal for Urawa since rejoining the Saitama club from Dutch side Feyenoord, and Atsushi Yanagisawa were also named.

Ecuador will be making their second straight appearance at the World Cup finals. They have been drawn against hosts Germany, Costa Rica and Poland.

Japan play Australia, holders Brazil and Croatia in first-round Group F.

The squad:

Goalkeepers -- Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo), Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight)

Defenders -- Makoto Tanaka (Jubilo Iwata), Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka), Alessandro Santos (Urawa Reds), Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F. Marinos), Keisuke Tsuboi (Urawa Reds), Shinji Murai (Jubilo Iwata), Akira Kaji (Gamba Osaka), Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Teruyuki Moniwa (FC Tokyo)

Midfielders -- Takashi Fukunishi (Jubilo Iwata), Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers), Shinji Ono (Urawa Reds), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Yuki Abe (JEF United Chiba), Makoto Hasebe (Urawa Reds)

Forwards -- Tatsuhiko Kubo (Yokohama F. Marinos), Atsushi Yanagisawa (Kashima Antlers), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus Eight), Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba), Hisato Sato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)

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