2010 World Cup qualifiers: Japan need to break jinx against Uzbeks

TASHKENT: Japan coach Takeshi Okada and his Blue Samurai have reasons to dread Uzbekistan when they face the unfancied Central Asian side in a decisive World Cup qualifier here today.
If they win, the former Asian champions become one of the first countries to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, booking a fourth straight ticket to the big stage since their debut in 1998.

But Okada warned: "The opponents have solid individual players so it won't be an easy game.

"Our team don't have particular leaders but each player has his place. I think they have become a stable team," he told Japanese media here of a side that has beaten Chile and Belgium 4-0 over the past week.

But Okada, in his second stint as Japan's national coach, has to break a jinx against Uzbekistan who are famous for their airtight defence and lightening counter-attacks.Japan have battled to 1-1 draws twice against Uzbekistan under Okada, both in World Cup qualifiers, although, under different coaches, they have won their four other past encounters with them. -- AFP

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