frican superstar Samuel Eto'o overcame an assault claim to score as Cameroon opened their challenge for a record sixth World Cup appearance with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde Islands Saturday.
Barcelona striker Eto'o converted a penalty 10 minutes into the second half in Yaounde to complete a comfortable triumph set up by an early goal from veteran defender Rigobert Song.
A local radio reporter accused three-time African Footballer of the Year Eto'o of head butting him Friday after tempers flared over limited media access to the 'Indomitable Lions'.
Cameroon competed at the World Cup in 1982, 1990, when they became the first African quarter-finalists, 1994, 1998 and 2002 and are poised to dominate Group 1 in the second qualifying phase for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Tanzania were surprisingly held 1-1 at home by Mauritius in the same group with Danny Mrwanda scoring a 70th-minute equaliser after Wesley Marquette had edged the Indian Ocean islanders in front before half-time.
Namibia snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Kenya in Windhoek thanks to a Costa Khaiseb goal 60 seconds from full-time in Group 2, which includes Guinea and Zimbabwe and is likely to be among the most fiercely contested.
Germany-based Oliver Risser put shock 2008 African Nations Cup qualifiers Namibia ahead after 17 minutes and Allan Watende levelled late in the first half for the 'Harambee Stars'.
Uganda, who came agonisingly close to reaching the Nations Cup in Ghana last January, battled to overcome minnows Niger 1-0 in a Group 3 showdown in Kampala courtesy of a goal 11 minutes into the second half from Ibrahim Sekagya.
Botswana fared even worse at home to Madagascar in Group 7, having to settle for a 0-0 draw after Pontsho Moloi thought he had scored in each half only to have both efforts disallowed for offside.
Rwanda had better luck at home to Mauritania in Group 8 with Saidi Abedi converting a penalty and Bokota Labama also on target in the closing stages to complete a 3-0 victory set up by a first-half Olivier Karekezi goal.
Malawi brutally exposed the limitations of Djibouti, the lowest ranked of the 47 second round competitors, with six second-half goals that earned the central Africans an 8-1 win in Blantyre.
Russia-based Esau Kanyenda led the goal romp with a hat-trick and Elvis Kafoteka, Joseph Kamwendo, Moses Chavula, Robert Ngambi and Noel Mkandawire also scored for the 'Flames' in the Group 12 encounter.
Daya Hassan struck midway through the first half for Djibouti, who are not strangers to humiliating losses having being overwhelmed 9-1 away to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a World Cup qualifier eight years ago.
Magnificent, magical, mesmerizing, marvelous, majestic. All of these describe the mercurial Messi - and those are only adjectives that begin with "M". Yes, Lionel is one of the greats already. His numbers for club and country are astounding.
Time to show your flashy side, ladies and gents. The authentic also features upgraded materials. The upgraded, technologically advanced materials on the authentic jersey will result in a lighter weight.
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The 2010 World Cup qualifiers double as eliminators for the Nations Cup in Angola the same year.
Monday, September 5, 2016
S.Korea held by Jordan in World Cup qualifier
South Korea squandered a two-goal lead in front of 53,000 fans here Saturday as Jordan battled to a 2-2 draw in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying.
With his team trailing by a brace, second-half substitute Hassan Abdel Fattah scored twice seven minutes apart to pull off an improbable draw for Jordan, who are now second in Group 3 with four points.
South Korea are top on five points with Turkmenistan and North Korea playing on Monday. Korea dominated early on with Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung giving them the lead in the 38th minute, converting a headed pass from Lee Chung-Yong deep in the Jordan box.
They went two up shortly after the break when Park Chu-Young converted a penalty after midfielder Cho Won-Hee was hacked down from behind by Hatem Aqel just inside the penalty area.
With South Korea in control, substitute Kim Do-Heon almost scored a third but his header, set up by Cho from the right, sailed just over the bar.
South Korea paid dearly for the near-miss with Abdel Fattah banging home his own rebound from close range in the 72nd minute with goalkeeper Kim Yong-Dae caught out of position.
Seven minutes later Abdel Fattah struck again.
Al Matalka’s cross from the left found the charging midfielder unmarked in the box and he rolled the ball in with his left foot past the diving Kim. The unfathomably close ball control, the quick bursts of agility, his deft passing, and deadly accurate shot have all combined to place him comfortably in soccer lore forever.
Time to show your flashy side, ladies and gents. The authentic also features upgraded materials. The upgraded, technologically advanced materials on the authentic jersey will result in a lighter weight.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey for sale today and cheer on all the good times to come. The two countries play each other again on June 7 in Jordan.
With his team trailing by a brace, second-half substitute Hassan Abdel Fattah scored twice seven minutes apart to pull off an improbable draw for Jordan, who are now second in Group 3 with four points.
South Korea are top on five points with Turkmenistan and North Korea playing on Monday. Korea dominated early on with Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung giving them the lead in the 38th minute, converting a headed pass from Lee Chung-Yong deep in the Jordan box.
They went two up shortly after the break when Park Chu-Young converted a penalty after midfielder Cho Won-Hee was hacked down from behind by Hatem Aqel just inside the penalty area.
With South Korea in control, substitute Kim Do-Heon almost scored a third but his header, set up by Cho from the right, sailed just over the bar.
South Korea paid dearly for the near-miss with Abdel Fattah banging home his own rebound from close range in the 72nd minute with goalkeeper Kim Yong-Dae caught out of position.
Seven minutes later Abdel Fattah struck again.
Al Matalka’s cross from the left found the charging midfielder unmarked in the box and he rolled the ball in with his left foot past the diving Kim. The unfathomably close ball control, the quick bursts of agility, his deft passing, and deadly accurate shot have all combined to place him comfortably in soccer lore forever.
Time to show your flashy side, ladies and gents. The authentic also features upgraded materials. The upgraded, technologically advanced materials on the authentic jersey will result in a lighter weight.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey for sale today and cheer on all the good times to come. The two countries play each other again on June 7 in Jordan.
Australia´s Verbeek warns of Iraq counter-attacks
Australia coach Pim Verbeek has urged his players to be patient and wary of Iraq's counter-attacks if they are to remain unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying group here on Sunday.
The Dutchman expects the Asian champions, reprieved after FIFA on Thursday lifted a 12-month international ban, to defend in depth and use hit-and-run tactics to sneak a goal to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Australia have four points from their first two qualifiers, while Iraq have just one point. Defeat here Sunday will all but kill off their chances of reaching the final phase of qualifying.
But Verbeek, who was in charge of South Korea when they were beaten by Iraq on penalties in the semi-finals of last year's Asian Cup, has warned the Socceroos to stay alert for Iraq's fast-breaking counters.
“They have come with one striker (Younis Mahmoud) and they will defend and wait until they get one or two chances and if they can score one goal they will be very happy,” Verbeek told a match-eve press conference Saturday. “That's what we expect, they will defend, we will attack. It's our job to be alert and to be concentrated that we don't give counter-attacking possibilities away.
“The chances we create we have to finish them because we won't get many chances.”
A home victory will put Australia in the box seat when they play their return World Cup match against Iraq in Dubai on June 7.
“You must have patience when you play teams like this, they are very dangerous with counters, this is the way they like to play and we all know how good their striker is and what he can do, we are prepared for that,” Verbeek said.
Verbeek, who was appointed Australia's head coach late last year on the strength of his knowledge of Asian football, has a deep respect for Iraq. “Iraqis are very mentally tough, they're physically tough, so they will never give up until the moment when they are completely gone, so we have to prepare for two very tough games,” he said.
“If we win tomorrow we will make an unbelievable big step and they have to finish it off in one of their remaining three games.
“The Iraqis will be looking not to give anything away because in Dubai next week there will be a lot of Iraqis in the stands and they will give a great atmosphere…. we don't under-estimate them.”
He has set records at FC Barcelona that many thought would never be broken. His statistics speak for themselves, but there is nothing quite like watching him play.
The new Messi Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina first jersey today and cheer on all the good times to come. Verbeek said Harry Kewell will again captain Australia in his comeback from another injury-blighted season with Liverpool.
The Dutchman expects the Asian champions, reprieved after FIFA on Thursday lifted a 12-month international ban, to defend in depth and use hit-and-run tactics to sneak a goal to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Australia have four points from their first two qualifiers, while Iraq have just one point. Defeat here Sunday will all but kill off their chances of reaching the final phase of qualifying.
But Verbeek, who was in charge of South Korea when they were beaten by Iraq on penalties in the semi-finals of last year's Asian Cup, has warned the Socceroos to stay alert for Iraq's fast-breaking counters.
“They have come with one striker (Younis Mahmoud) and they will defend and wait until they get one or two chances and if they can score one goal they will be very happy,” Verbeek told a match-eve press conference Saturday. “That's what we expect, they will defend, we will attack. It's our job to be alert and to be concentrated that we don't give counter-attacking possibilities away.
“The chances we create we have to finish them because we won't get many chances.”
A home victory will put Australia in the box seat when they play their return World Cup match against Iraq in Dubai on June 7.
“You must have patience when you play teams like this, they are very dangerous with counters, this is the way they like to play and we all know how good their striker is and what he can do, we are prepared for that,” Verbeek said.
Verbeek, who was appointed Australia's head coach late last year on the strength of his knowledge of Asian football, has a deep respect for Iraq. “Iraqis are very mentally tough, they're physically tough, so they will never give up until the moment when they are completely gone, so we have to prepare for two very tough games,” he said.
“If we win tomorrow we will make an unbelievable big step and they have to finish it off in one of their remaining three games.
“The Iraqis will be looking not to give anything away because in Dubai next week there will be a lot of Iraqis in the stands and they will give a great atmosphere…. we don't under-estimate them.”
He has set records at FC Barcelona that many thought would never be broken. His statistics speak for themselves, but there is nothing quite like watching him play.
The new Messi Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina first jersey today and cheer on all the good times to come. Verbeek said Harry Kewell will again captain Australia in his comeback from another injury-blighted season with Liverpool.
Park not guaranteed to start against Jordan
Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung didn't appear in last week's Champions League final against Chelsea, and he is not guaranteed to be in South Korea's starting line-up on Saturday.
The Koreans face Jordan in Seoul as their Asian World Cup qualifying campaign resumes, and manager Huh Jung-Moo said he will go with players he deems to be in the best form, regardless of their reputations.
“Whether it's a domestic league player or an overseas-based veteran, I will go with players in top form,” Huh said. “And the same goes for Park Ji-Sung. If he doesn't look great in practice, he will not play.”
Park took the comments in his stride. “You have to battle for your job on any team,” he said. “Wherever I am asked to play, I am ready to make necessary adjustments.” Aside from Park, Korea's 25-man roster includes six players who ply their trade overseas.
They are Lee Young-Pyo of Tottenham Hotspur, Seol Ki-Hyeon of Fulham and Kim Do-Heon of West Brom in England; FC Samara's Oh Beom-Seok and Zenit St. Petersburg's Kim Dong-Jin in Russia; and Kim Nam-Il of Vissel Kobe in Japan.
“We need these players to step up,” Huh said. “I know they've had plenty of rest to get ready.” The Jordan match is the third game for South Korea on the road to South Africa in 2010 as they seek to make the finals for the seventh straight time.
Huh said he rated Jordan, who are led by Portugese manager Martinho Vingada, as the strongest team in their group. “It wouldn't be an overstatement to say it is the strongest team in our group,” he said.
“Individual players are outstanding in technique and possess problem-solving abilities. They are a team to be reckoned with.”
So far, South Korea have beaten Turkmenistan 4-0 and drawn with North Korea 0-0. The two Koreas are tied on four points in Group 3, but the South leads with an edge in goal difference (4 to 0).
The Jordan match kicks off a series of four games over a 22-day period for South Korea, who travel to Jordan on June 7 and then Turkmenistan on June 14. They return home to face the North on June 22.
Magnificent, magical, mesmerizing, marvelous, majestic. All of these describe the mercurial Messi - and those are only adjectives that begin with "M". Yes, Lionel is one of the greats already. His numbers for club and country are astounding.
The new Messi Soccer Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey number today and cheer on all the good times to come. “We have four matches ahead in a row,” Huh said. “Teamwork will get better as we play these matches. We'll also show our best form by minimizing fatigue as we travel long distances.”
The Koreans face Jordan in Seoul as their Asian World Cup qualifying campaign resumes, and manager Huh Jung-Moo said he will go with players he deems to be in the best form, regardless of their reputations.
“Whether it's a domestic league player or an overseas-based veteran, I will go with players in top form,” Huh said. “And the same goes for Park Ji-Sung. If he doesn't look great in practice, he will not play.”
Park took the comments in his stride. “You have to battle for your job on any team,” he said. “Wherever I am asked to play, I am ready to make necessary adjustments.” Aside from Park, Korea's 25-man roster includes six players who ply their trade overseas.
They are Lee Young-Pyo of Tottenham Hotspur, Seol Ki-Hyeon of Fulham and Kim Do-Heon of West Brom in England; FC Samara's Oh Beom-Seok and Zenit St. Petersburg's Kim Dong-Jin in Russia; and Kim Nam-Il of Vissel Kobe in Japan.
“We need these players to step up,” Huh said. “I know they've had plenty of rest to get ready.” The Jordan match is the third game for South Korea on the road to South Africa in 2010 as they seek to make the finals for the seventh straight time.
Huh said he rated Jordan, who are led by Portugese manager Martinho Vingada, as the strongest team in their group. “It wouldn't be an overstatement to say it is the strongest team in our group,” he said.
“Individual players are outstanding in technique and possess problem-solving abilities. They are a team to be reckoned with.”
So far, South Korea have beaten Turkmenistan 4-0 and drawn with North Korea 0-0. The two Koreas are tied on four points in Group 3, but the South leads with an edge in goal difference (4 to 0).
The Jordan match kicks off a series of four games over a 22-day period for South Korea, who travel to Jordan on June 7 and then Turkmenistan on June 14. They return home to face the North on June 22.
Magnificent, magical, mesmerizing, marvelous, majestic. All of these describe the mercurial Messi - and those are only adjectives that begin with "M". Yes, Lionel is one of the greats already. His numbers for club and country are astounding.
The new Messi Soccer Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey number today and cheer on all the good times to come. “We have four matches ahead in a row,” Huh said. “Teamwork will get better as we play these matches. We'll also show our best form by minimizing fatigue as we travel long distances.”
Iraq warned on interference, says IFA chief
FIFA’s move to curb political interference in Iraq’s football has sent a strong message to the government in Baghdad, Iraq Football Association president Hussein Saeed said here Friday.
Saeed was at the heart of efforts to successfully persuade football’s world governing body to reverse a decision to suspend Iraq from competition, allowing their World Cup qualifier against Australia in Brisbane to proceed Sunday.
FIFA had given Baghdad a deadline of Thursday to reinstate the IFA after it dissolved the National Olympic Committee last week, or face a 12-month ban from international football.
The suspension was provisionally lifted after the Iraq government sent a letter to FIFA confirming that the federation had not been sacked. Iraq, the reigning Asian champions, faced the threat of being kicked out of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, but Saeed said the national team was now focused on beating Australia this weekend.
“Our team had a bad psychology before they came to Australia, one week ago there was a problem between our Olympic committee and the government, but yesterday they practised earnestly,” Saeed told reporters during Friday’s FIFA Congress here.
“We have four more (group) matches to qualify for the World Cup and I think they will concentrate on the match and not on administrative matters.” Saeed said FIFA’s decision to lift the ban had given more power to his country’s footballers.
“Now the (Iraqi) government knows the rules. Because somebody has given false information to the government that they can interfere in the sport and control the sport… now they know what the rules are,” he said.
Saeed said he hoped there would be no future problems of interference from the government with sports in his troubled country.
FIFA has warned Iraq that it may immediately re-impose the suspension if the relevant article of the FIFA Statutes was violated again.
The unfathomably close ball control, the quick bursts of agility, his deft passing, and deadly accurate shot have all combined to place him comfortably in soccer lore forever.
The new Messi Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey size 28 today and cheer on all the good times to come. The world body said it will invite a delegation consisting of the Asian Football Confederation, the IFA and representatives of the Iraqi government to Zurich as soon as possible to clarify all outstanding issues.
Saeed was at the heart of efforts to successfully persuade football’s world governing body to reverse a decision to suspend Iraq from competition, allowing their World Cup qualifier against Australia in Brisbane to proceed Sunday.
FIFA had given Baghdad a deadline of Thursday to reinstate the IFA after it dissolved the National Olympic Committee last week, or face a 12-month ban from international football.
The suspension was provisionally lifted after the Iraq government sent a letter to FIFA confirming that the federation had not been sacked. Iraq, the reigning Asian champions, faced the threat of being kicked out of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, but Saeed said the national team was now focused on beating Australia this weekend.
“Our team had a bad psychology before they came to Australia, one week ago there was a problem between our Olympic committee and the government, but yesterday they practised earnestly,” Saeed told reporters during Friday’s FIFA Congress here.
“We have four more (group) matches to qualify for the World Cup and I think they will concentrate on the match and not on administrative matters.” Saeed said FIFA’s decision to lift the ban had given more power to his country’s footballers.
“Now the (Iraqi) government knows the rules. Because somebody has given false information to the government that they can interfere in the sport and control the sport… now they know what the rules are,” he said.
Saeed said he hoped there would be no future problems of interference from the government with sports in his troubled country.
FIFA has warned Iraq that it may immediately re-impose the suspension if the relevant article of the FIFA Statutes was violated again.
The unfathomably close ball control, the quick bursts of agility, his deft passing, and deadly accurate shot have all combined to place him comfortably in soccer lore forever.
The new Messi Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey size 28 today and cheer on all the good times to come. The world body said it will invite a delegation consisting of the Asian Football Confederation, the IFA and representatives of the Iraqi government to Zurich as soon as possible to clarify all outstanding issues.
Cameroon coach Pfister questioned by police: press
Cameroon coach Otto Pfister has been questioned by police after accusations by the agent who negotiated his contract that he failed to receive his commission, the press reported here on Thursday.
Agent Fernand Taninche is claiming 24 million CFA francs (36,300 euros) from Pfister for his role in helping him complete the deal last year.
The 71-year-old German, who was not contactable on Thursday, was hired by the Cameroon Sports Ministry controversially against the advice of the Cameroon football federation (Fecafoot), as a replacement for Dutchman Arie Haan.
Cameroon are training in Yaounde in the run-up to Saturday's 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup qualifier at North Atlantic island Cap Verde.
Le federazioni nazionali di Italia e Australia hanno siglato a Sydney un accordo di partnership siglato dal presidente Abete insieme alla sua controparte australiana Frank Lowy.
Secondo quanto stabilito, i due paesi collaboreranno con scambi e condivisione di risorse di allenamento, arbitraggio, calcio giovanile e femminile.
“Nell’accordo è stabilito chiaramente che i due paesi si aiuteranno l’un l’altro e si sosterranno in ogni maniera possibile, se uno dei due si candida per un torneo o evento internazionale”, ha detto Abete. He has set records at FC Barcelona that many thought would never be broken. His statistics speak for themselves, but there is nothing quite like watching him play.
The new Messi Soccer Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey size 26 today and cheer on all the good times to come. Il riferimento è alla candidatura del paese “down under” per i Mondiali del 2018
Agent Fernand Taninche is claiming 24 million CFA francs (36,300 euros) from Pfister for his role in helping him complete the deal last year.
The 71-year-old German, who was not contactable on Thursday, was hired by the Cameroon Sports Ministry controversially against the advice of the Cameroon football federation (Fecafoot), as a replacement for Dutchman Arie Haan.
Cameroon are training in Yaounde in the run-up to Saturday's 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup qualifier at North Atlantic island Cap Verde.
Le federazioni nazionali di Italia e Australia hanno siglato a Sydney un accordo di partnership siglato dal presidente Abete insieme alla sua controparte australiana Frank Lowy.
Secondo quanto stabilito, i due paesi collaboreranno con scambi e condivisione di risorse di allenamento, arbitraggio, calcio giovanile e femminile.
“Nell’accordo è stabilito chiaramente che i due paesi si aiuteranno l’un l’altro e si sosterranno in ogni maniera possibile, se uno dei due si candida per un torneo o evento internazionale”, ha detto Abete. He has set records at FC Barcelona that many thought would never be broken. His statistics speak for themselves, but there is nothing quite like watching him play.
The new Messi Soccer Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey size 26 today and cheer on all the good times to come. Il riferimento è alla candidatura del paese “down under” per i Mondiali del 2018
Japan football coach Okada drops Takahara
Japan football coach Takeshi Okada has dropped former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara from his squad for crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of poor form.
“He'd better train with his club and bring himself back into form from where he is now,” Okada told reporters. “With the national team he will have limited time for training.”
Takahara returned in January to the J-League when he signed for Asian champions Urawa Reds from the Bundesliga. But he has scored only two goals for his new club this season, which opened in March, and none for his country in four internationals.
“I wish he will come back when he is confident of his condition,” said the coach. Takahara was given only limited playing time in the second half in Japan's scoreless friendly draw with Paraguay at home on Tuesday.
In upcoming qualifiers, Japan will play Oman in Yokohama on Monday, travel to Muscat for the return on June 7 and face Thailand away on June 14.
Okada will then reconsider his line-up for Japan's final Asian Group 2 match against Bahrain at home on June 22. Bahrain, who shocked Japan 1-0 in March, are top of Asian Group 2 with two wins and six points. Japan and Oman are level on three ahead of winless Thailand.
The top two finishers will advance to the final Asian qualifying round from September. Squad
Goalkeepers: Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
Defenders: Shuhei Terada (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Urawa Reds), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds), Yusuke Igawa (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers)
Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic/SCO), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Daisuke Matsui (Saint Etienne/FRA), Keita Suzuki (Urawa Reds), Koji Yamase (Yokohama F Marinos), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Shinji Kagawa (Cerezo Osaka)
Magnificent, magical, mesmerizing, marvelous, majestic. All of these describe the mercurial Messi - and those are only adjectives that begin with "M". Yes, Lionel is one of the greats already. His numbers for club and country are astounding.
The new Messi Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey size 24 today and cheer on all the good times to come. Forwards: Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba), Yoshito Okubo (Vissel Kobe), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)
“He'd better train with his club and bring himself back into form from where he is now,” Okada told reporters. “With the national team he will have limited time for training.”
Takahara returned in January to the J-League when he signed for Asian champions Urawa Reds from the Bundesliga. But he has scored only two goals for his new club this season, which opened in March, and none for his country in four internationals.
“I wish he will come back when he is confident of his condition,” said the coach. Takahara was given only limited playing time in the second half in Japan's scoreless friendly draw with Paraguay at home on Tuesday.
In upcoming qualifiers, Japan will play Oman in Yokohama on Monday, travel to Muscat for the return on June 7 and face Thailand away on June 14.
Okada will then reconsider his line-up for Japan's final Asian Group 2 match against Bahrain at home on June 22. Bahrain, who shocked Japan 1-0 in March, are top of Asian Group 2 with two wins and six points. Japan and Oman are level on three ahead of winless Thailand.
The top two finishers will advance to the final Asian qualifying round from September. Squad
Goalkeepers: Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
Defenders: Shuhei Terada (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Urawa Reds), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds), Yusuke Igawa (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers)
Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic/SCO), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Daisuke Matsui (Saint Etienne/FRA), Keita Suzuki (Urawa Reds), Koji Yamase (Yokohama F Marinos), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Shinji Kagawa (Cerezo Osaka)
Magnificent, magical, mesmerizing, marvelous, majestic. All of these describe the mercurial Messi - and those are only adjectives that begin with "M". Yes, Lionel is one of the greats already. His numbers for club and country are astounding.
The new Messi Jersey is perfect for all you Messi fans out there, and trust me there everywhere, and its no surprise since they boast one of the world's greatest players in Messi.
Pick up your messi argentina jersey size 24 today and cheer on all the good times to come. Forwards: Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba), Yoshito Okubo (Vissel Kobe), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)
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