Izmailov - a talent that worries Japan (Allsport)
JAPAN FEARING IZMAILOV THREAT
By PA Sport Staff
Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Japan team section
Click here for Russia team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone
Russian wonder boy Marat Izmailov is the player Japan fear most ahead of the
sides' World Cup Group H meeting in Yokohama.
Japan's French coach Philippe Troussier identified the 19-year-old midfielder
as Russia's main threat - ahead of the veteran and more well-known Alexander
Mostovoi and Valery Karpin.
Troussier observed the possible return of Mostovoi from the hamstring problem
that kept him out of Wednesday's win against Tunisia was a lesser concern than
the damage Izmailov might do.
Izmailov, who plays his club football for Lokmotiv Moscow, shone as Russia
beat Tunisia 2-0 in Kobe to go top of the group.
Troussier said: "If Mostovoi plays then Izmailov could be on the bench.
"For me it would be easier to play Russia with Mostovoi because we know how
they play with him.
"Izmailov could cause us problems going forward and is a difficult player to
pick up."
Russia coach Oleg Romantsev admitted both Mostovoi and his fellow midfielder
Alexei Smertin were "not yet 100% despite training with the rest of the squad
for the last two days.
"They are both doing their best to play in the next match but whether they
will make it or not is still undecided," he said.
While the Japanese claimed their first-ever World Cup point in the 2-2 draw
with Belgium, they enter the match needing at least another point to
maintain a realistic chance of progress to the second round.
Troussier admitted the Russian approach would pose different problems to the
more direct style of the Belgians.
"Belgium and Russia are very different," he said. "Belgium hit you with
crosses and are a physical team. Russia play a short passing game."
Japan playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata is expected to shrug off an ankle problem to
play but there are more serious doubts over the availability of central defender
Ryuzo Morioka, who only returned from long-term injury shortly before the
finals.
"Nakata hurt his right ankle against Belgium and Morioka is struggling with
thigh and ankle problems," Troussier said.
"Nakata was fine yesterday so tomorrow he will be OK. Morioka is not right
and we've not decided yet whether he will play."
According to Troussier, "the spirit is very good" in Japan's training camp
in the Shizuoka prefecture, one hour south of Tokyo.
"We've had five days after the Belgium match and the mood has been very
relaxed," he added.
Japan's performance against Belgium raised the hopes of a Japanese public
hitherto unsure of their side's chances in the tournament.
Troussier warned the Russians that "playing at home is a huge advantage"
and added: "If we play with the same collective spirit and aggressiveness as we
did against Belgium, I'm sure the conditions will create a panic situation for
Russia."
Russian midfielder Karpin acknowledged that his side would have to be at their
best.
"Japan are very quick so we will have to play fast from the beginning," he
said.
Anything less, and the co-hosts could follow South Korea in celebrating their
first World Cup win.
|
