Alberto Zaccheroni complained that his Japan “can play better than that” after their capitulation to the Ivory Coast.
The Blue Samurai had been the first side to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil and took the lead early on through a Keisuke Honda screamer.
Alberto Zaccheroni complained that his Japan “can play better than that” after their capitulation to the Ivory Coast.
The Blue Samurai had been the first side to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil and took the lead early on through a Keisuke Honda screamer.
However, two goals in 99 seconds turned it around for a 2-1 Ivorian victory.
“The players gave 100 per cent but we weren’t cohesive enough,” Zac told media.
“After we took the lead, we did go on the back foot, but that was because of our opponents' attacking qualities – not through our own choosing where they really pushed us back. That especially happened on the wings.
“Despite my substitutions, I wasn't able to change the course of the game. We weren’t aggressive enough and we need to improve on that because we’ve been playing better than that – and we can play better than that – and we’ll work on that in our next two game.”
Japan are third in Group C, as Colombia thrashed Greece 3-0.