TOKYO (AP) — Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni says playing against tough opposition has given his team greater confidence as it prepares for a fifth straight World Cup appearance.
Since taking over after the 2010 World Cup, Zaccheroni says one of his main goals was to take Japan out of its comfort zone by playing against some of the world's stronger teams.
Japan has been drawn in Group C with Ivory Coast, Greece and Colombia for next year's tournament in Brazil. While the Colombians are regarded as the favorite, the group is seen as relatively even.
Losses against Belarus and Serbia in October put the Italian coach under fire but a 3-2 win over Belgium and 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in friendlies last month has eased the pressure.
News Topics: International soccer, Soccer, Sports, Men's soccer, Men's sportsPeople, Places and Companies: Jim Armstrong, Japan, East Asia, Asia
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