BONN, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Japan coach Zico has refused to throw in the
sponge, telling his players to brace up for their last group match against world
champions Brazil.
"We are not confronting an awful monster," Zico said on Tuesday before his
team left their training base here for their final Group F match.
"They are a strong team. But, as professionals representing Japan, we must
never give up as long as there is the slightest of chances," said the Brazilian.
Zico drew his confidence from the fact that Japan, the three-time Asian
champions, had fought to a 2-2 tie with Brazil in the first round of the
Confederations Cup in Germany last year.
He also thought that Japan might benefit from the letup of Brazil which
have qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament.
Japan, who lost to Australia 3-1 and drew 0-0 with Croatia, need to beat
Brazil to keep alive the chance of qualifying for the last 16. Enditem
