Alberto Zaccheroni Pleased With Decisive Tactical Switch In Japan’s Australia Win

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has admitted that he was pleased that a second half switch played a major role in the Samurai Blue’s 1-0 Asian Cup final victory over Australia.

In the early part of the second period, Japan appeared to be buckling under the Socceroos’ aerial ability in attack, but the Italian coach successfully reshuffled his men.

“I wanted to strengthen the midfield,” the coach explained to the media after the game, the AFC’s official website reports.

“I had the choice to use Konno as a defensive midfielder and push [Yasuhito] Endo and [Makoto] Hasebe forward but I changed [Yuto] Nagatomo's position and from that point Australia looked kind of loose. I was surprised because they were so compact before.”

Zaccheroni also cited the determination of his players as being a vital contributing factor to their victory. “Physically, we were very exhausted for the final,” he stated. “[Keisuke] Honda, Endo and Hasebe did not train, [Shinji] Okazaki yesterday couldn't even walk, Nagatomo had a foot problem and couldn't prepare.

“We were playing against a very good physical and tactical team like Australia, so the final was a separate game.”

Finally, the 57-year-old coach reflected on a milestone moment in his illustrious career, which has seen him win the Scudetto with Milan in 1999. “I have not won an international competition before. This is the first time,” he grinned. “This is an excellent team and we have excellent players so I am proud to manage this team.”