Concentration the key for Kawaguchi 18 June 2005 by FIFAworldcup.com Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi has promised that we will see a fresher and more focused Japan when they take on Greece in their second match of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday. The Asian champions went down 2-1 to Mexico in their opening Group B match on Thursday, a game where they started brightly and took an early lead before fading. Kawaguchi felt Japan’s players were still suffering the effects of a busy schedule which had taken them to Bahrain and Thailand for FIFA World Cup qualifiers ahead of the subsequent long-haul journey to Germany. "We did not concentrate in the last game," Kawaguchi told FIFAworldcup.com. "The team were tired as we were suffering a bit from jet lag. We'd flown to Bahrain and then Thailand and then had a long trip to Europe, so we were very tired. But we're getting used to being here now, it's a week now since we arrived and maybe we will play better because of that." The Jubilo Iwata keeper was beaten by a wonderful Jose Francisco Fonseca header for Mexico's winning goal in Hanover – just one of several opportunities that fell to Mexican heads during the match. Kawaguchi made a tremendous stop to keep out an early Jared Borgetti effort while in the second period only the post denied the Mexico striker. Little wonder then that Kawaguchi echoed his coach Zico's call for the Japan players to defend high balls better against a Greece side renowned for their aerial threat. "We have to be careful," the 29-year-old said. "The defenders have to get closer to their men when crosses come in, we have to mark tighter than in the last game. We have to really keep our concentration on free-kicks and corners - every player has to stay focused." Although Japan secured qualification for Germany 2006 with victories over Bahrain and Korea DPR earlier this month, the loss against Mexico means they have suffered three defeats in their last five matches. Kawagichi admitted that they will have to produce improved performances to get something out of their remaining group matches against first European champions Greece and then Brazil, the world and South American champions, on Wednesday. "We have to try something – to be aggressive and to give ourselves a chance in this match," he said. "We can't play against Greece like we did against Mexico. This is a good opportunity and we have to give it our best. "You have to stay positive because we're playing against Greece in this next match and it's a very important game for us. If we lose then we can't qualify but if we win we might have a chance of getting to the semi-finals." A place in the semi-finals would certainly constitute success for Zico's side who want to register some sign of improvement on previous performances in FIFA competitions in Europe – where they failed to get out of their groups at France 98 and the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. Failure to beat Greece would probably end these hopes, which is not what Japan want. They may be sure of returning here next summer but, Kawaguchi concluded, that will be the furthest thing on their minds when they take the field in Frankfurt. "This tournament gives us a chance to learn some things ahead of next year but we also have to play to win." --- 明天翻译...等下准备看王建民宰小熊...所以... ^^@ --

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