Japan's World Cup preparations under fire

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TOKYO, Feb 15, 2010 (AFP) - Japan's World Cup preparations drew heavy fire on Monday for the team's lack of striking force as the national side finished third in the four-nation East Asian football championship.

Infuriated fans have called for the scalp of coach Takeshi Okada, and the national football authority is planning a meeting with him to explore ways to shore up the Blue Samurai four months before the global tournament.

"I am sincerely sorry for not winning at home," a stern-faced Okada told reporters after ending the championship with a 3-1 defeat to South Korea on Sunday. "Whatever I say will only be excuses. I humbly accept the criticism."

The three-time Asian champions were held to a goalless draw by lower-ranked China in the championship opener, which caused frustrated home spectators to boo after Okada's ground-side interview.

Japan beat Hong Kong 3-0 on Thursday, but missed many opportunities after firing 22 shots on goal. The game, on a national holiday, attracted 16,368 spectators, the lowest ever for the top Japanese squad.

Japan's arch-rivals South Korea defeated Hong Kong 5-0.

On Sunday, the Japanese side crashed to a shock defeat to South Korea, leaving a frustrated home crowd to boo for a third game in a row, and leaving China to regain the championship.

After the South Korea game, furious home fans displayed a banner at the National Stadium that read: "Fire Okada!"

Local media provided a forum for heated fans to vent their anger at Okada.

The sports daily Sports Nippon said that its Internet survey found almost 90 percent of participants were calling for a new coach.

Nearly all of the participants now expect Japan to fail to reach the knock-out round in the World Cup, the newspaper said.

Japan and South Korea qualified for the World Cup in South Africa in June, while China failed to reach the final Asian qualifying round.

Hong Kong's Korean coach Kim Pan-Gon said in post-match comments that South Korea tend to try to hit a shot on goal soon after they get the ball, while Japan tries to build a play before shooting.

Okada insisted that he will stay on in his post unless the FA sacks him.

"So long as I'm in a position to coach the players, I'm not going to abandon these players," Okada said.

Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai said Sunday he had no plan to replace Okada, but said his players lacked the "fighting spirit".

"Overall, I think it's better not to change at this moment. It's too risky to replace (the coach) only four months before" the World Cup, said Inukai.

Meanwhile, Okada refused to back off his ambitious target of reaching the last four in the World Cup.

"I am not changing our goal at the World Cup," he said. "I don't think it has put pressure on our players. My players keep striving for that goal. We are going to keep challenging as long as we have the chance."