via: fifaworldcupJapan coach Zico admits the Asian champions are under huge pressure to defeat Australia in their first FIFA World Cup™ match, in a tough group that also includes Brazil and Croatia.
"Victory would leave us more calm for the remaining group matches. You just cannot afford to lose your first match in a World Cup," Zico told the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website.
"First because you will have the added pressure of having to win the next match at all costs. And secondly you know that another defeat and you're out of the tournament in the first week."
Japan will kick off the FIFA World Cup against Australia, then play Croatia and Brazil in the Group F preliminary round. Zico refused to concede that Japan were competing for the runners-up place in the group, with Brazil hot favourites to top the section.
