Japan looking to hit form against India

Holders Japan begin their 2007 Asian Cup football qualifying campaign with a home tie against India on Wednesday, looking to build momentum before the World Cup.

The Asian champions are expected to cruise to victory over India in Yokohama and the opening goal would be their 100th since Brazilian Zico became Japan coach in July 2002.

Japan were beaten 3-2 by the United States in their first match of the year earlier this month but returned home to beat Finland 2-0 at the weekend with a much-improved performance.

"We still have areas of concern but we're improving with every game which is important in a World Cup year," Zico told reporters.

"I'll be making a few changes, but we will still be taking this game seriously."

Zico will again be without his Europe-based contingent, including Bolton's Hidetoshi Nakata and Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic.

However, the successful return of Tatsuhiko Kubo after a lengthy injury layoff has given Japan a major lift as they look to strengthen an unreliable attack.

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The Yokohama striker scored Japan's first goal against a below-strength Finland in Shizuoka -- his first for his country since June 2004.

"Kubo is a clever player and the goal has given him extra confidence," Zico added.

"A fit Kubo gives us more options and he just needs more games under his belt to find his best form."

The Japanese have been drawn with India, Yemen and fellow World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia in Asian Cup qualifying Group A.

The 2007 finals will be co-hosted by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Japan's World Cup group is an altogether more difficult proposition, with Zico's players drawn alongside holders Brazil, Croatia and Australia in Germany.

Realistically, India will be aiming to keep the scoreline respectable as the cricket-mad country is not expected to make it beyond the qualifying stage.

"I have told the boys not to feel inferior or underestimate themselves," India coach Syed Nayeemuddin told Reuters before his team left for Japan last week.

"We have to go there thinking we can beat Japan."