Early World Cup exits a lesson for Asia, says AFC head

I was particularly disappointed by the showing of Japan and Korea. Australia took a young, future oriented squad and were a real long shot to get out of their groups, but Japan and Korea went out in a whimper, and you have to look at why. I followed Japan much more closely than I did Korea, and they have many technically good players in the team, but all this talk of 'Japanese spirit' seemed pretty hollow as they failed to gel as a team and were bullied by bigger and tougher men. My opinion is that Japan need to be harder, tougher players. They should absolutely retain their technical style of play, but if they are to take it to the big boys, they need to compliment it with a stronger, more physical approach.

Which is why I think Australia will win a World Cup before Japan ever does. If Australia can nurture a generation of technically gifted players, their mentality will propel them to much greater heights. My wife was furious with the Japanese team, and whilst she has hated the Australian team in the past, she admires their approach and determination, and openly said she wished Japan had Australia's approach in this tournament (a watershed moment in our household).

@tamarama: while i agree that our Australian youngsters performed galantly and gained plenty of praise against the Dutch, we desperately need someone to replace Cahill. With almost certainty that was Cahill's and Bresciano's last WC, with their retirement immenent and despite the valuable experience our youngsters got from this WC we are still way off from where we want to be...

Benji7

Mate, if it ever happens, it won't be for several decades. Here is an interesting article by Craig Foster:

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blog/2014/06/26/moving-forward-brazil

I'm just saying that I think Japan lack ticker and have for the last 15 years. They don't seem to have the heart for the contest at the highest level, and I find this talk of 'Samurai Spirit' or 'Japanese spirit' a bit vacuous, because whatever they interpret that as, it doesn't translate into World Cup Finals fixtures. They need to look at this aspect of their game.

I think Australia have the ticker, just not yet the talent. But when they do.....