Asia Cup: Japan warn Socceroos of Hanoi

Hanoi: July 17: Asian Cup holders Japan have warned Australia that Hanoi's suffocating heat could work in their favour when the teams clash in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Japan comfortably finished top of Group B despite temperatures frequently soaring past the 40 degree Celsius mark and 90 per cent humidity in the Vietnamese capital.

Australia, meanwhile, only staved off an embarrassing early exit after thumping co-hosts Thailand 4-0 to finish runners-up in Group A.

Putting their poor start to the Asian Cup aside, the Socceroos quickly forecast a long run in the tournament after their first win but Japan are keeping their cool.

''We're used to the heat here in Hanoi,'' Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo told reporters after yesterday's 4-1 win over Vietnam.

''It will be something new to our opponents. In that respect at least I think it gives us an advantage. There is a sense of a mission among the team.'' Japan, winners of the last two Asian Cup tournaments in Lebanon in 2000 and in China three years ago, clearly like it hot and they fancy their chances in Saturday's clash.

JAPAN BACKLASH

Endo's warning about the cauldron-like conditions in Hanoi may not wash with the Australians, who played their group matches in heat of 30-plus degrees in Bangkok.

But the memory of their 3-1 defeat by Australia in their opening game of the 2006 World Cup still haunts Japan's players and the Socceroos will be wary of a backlash.

Japan's press have already begun churning out colourful stories labelling Australia a ''dirty team'' who will try to foul playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura out of the game.

The Sports Hochi daily even dredged up a challenge by Vince Grella on Nakamura in that World Cup game, branding it a ''cynical foul'' typical of Australia's style of play.

It even described in graphic detail the swelling Grella's tackle had caused Nakamura and the painful blood blisters he suffered as a result of having his foot repeatedly stamped on.

Nakamura's assessment of the match is less complicated -- stop Mark Viduka.

''We had two players on Viduka (at the World Cup) and it didn't stop him,'' said the Celtic midfielder. ''It will be crucial to stop him. This is the real final.''

Reuters







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