A tearful end to Troussier's reign (Allsport)

By PA Sport Staff

Japan coach Philippe Troussier was close to tears after his team's World Cup adventure ended with a 1-0 defeat to Turkey in what turned out to be his final game in charge.

The co-hosts' dreams of making the quarter-finals were brought crashing down by Umit Davala's 12th-minute header in rainswept Miyagi.

Troussier, whose four-year reign concluded with a disappointing display from his team, is nonetheless hopeful for the future of Japanese football.

The Frenchman said: "I would tell all Japanese players to keep believing in their ability and their potential for success.

"I think there is even some recognition among European football of the progress we have made.

"I hope the Japanese Football Federation will keep the same pace of development and keep on moving ahead.

"But the players have certainly proved that they can play with the best."

Troussier admitted lack of experience and concentration were the main reasons for his side failing to progress further than their first-ever appearance in the second round.

"We were playing against a very strong Turkish team, but we still had our chances and did not let them dominate the match,'' he said.

"We had the free-kick that hit the bar and other opportunities to score.

"However there is still a lack of experience in the Japanese team.

"The defeat was due to inattention on our part for the goal, but we certainly proved we were at a level to play against other big teams.

"We tried to score and we couldn't do it but we certainly showed our pride and our values. It is a young and dynamic team - that is our image. The ambition for the team is now 2006."

Turkish coach Senol Gunes called on the Japanese public to back his team now their own heroes have gone out.

"The players should not be sad because they have done tremendous work over the last few years," he said

"Japanese people should not be disappointed either, because we will represent Japan in the latter stages of the tournament."

Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto believes they themselves finally felt the weight of expectation from their fans.

"We put some pressure on Turkey late in the first half. But we made some mistakes and struggled completing passes," he said.

"It was a knockout match, and we felt the pressure. We shouldn't lose our confidence, though, and it is just a shame that we lost the match."

In answer to what now lies ahead for him after being released by Arsenal, he said: "I do not know about my future; I am just going to take a holiday now."