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Osim's tinkering key to Japan's title hopes

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-07 18:04

TOKYO, July 3 - Japan's hopes of a third consecutive Asian Cup title may hinge less on the genius of Shunsuke Nakamura than how far coach Ivica Osim can curb his penchant for tinkering.

Nakamura has rarely had time to strike up a meaningful midfield partnership amid a dizzying array of lineup changes since Osim took charge after last year's World Cup.

Osim has built his team around Nakamura, and the Celtic midfielder's experience will be crucial to Japan's chances with Hidetoshi Nakata retired and Junichi Inamoto axed.

Nakamura, defender Yuji Nakazawa and goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi were involved in Japan's Asian Cup triumphs in 2000 and 2004, while Osim kept faith with 10 of the 2006 World Cup squad.

Japan's blend of experience and exciting young talent will make them a force at the Asian Cup but Osim has yet to settle on a regular starting eleven.

The 66-year-old Bosnian has called up 51 players since replacing Brazilian Zico after Japan's meek exit from last year's World Cup in Germany.

His side are unbeaten in 2007 with wins over Peru and Montenegro but Japan have rarely played with the flair or passion they showed when they co-hosted the 2002 World Cup.

Nakamura and Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara will provide Japan's attacking thrust but it remains to be seen how they cope against big, physical opposition.

Australia's 3-1 victory over Japan at the World Cup left mental scars that have yet to fully heal. The country's best defender Nakazawa had to quit the national side because of the trauma.

The Yokohama player has since been coaxed back into the Japan fold but Osim is without influential defender Tulio after the Brazil-born centre-back tore knee ligaments.

Japan should glide through Group B, involving Qatar, United Arab Emirates and co-hosts Vietnam, before they can start thinking of a potential revenge match against the Socceroos.

How far Japan progress will depend on the degree of help Nakamura, Takahara and Nakazawa are afforded by their supporting cast -- and Osim's ability to resist tinkering.