Japan's perennial lack of firepower stands in the way of World Cup glory, according to national coach Zico.
The Asian champions, who struggled through their World Cup qualifiers with some unconvincing performances, have been drawn in Group F with five-time champions and holders Brazil, European powerhouse Croatia and Australia.
"Our first target is to advance from the first round to the knockout stage and I feel there is a strong possibility," Zico said in a interview.
Asked about what his players should improve in the five months before the World Cup finals in Germany, the 52-year-old Brazilian said: "If I have to name one, it is finishing."
"The Japanese national team can create quite decisive chances against any team but they can hardly get the final jobs done to score goals," he said.
"There may be just one chance in a match. If you don't seize on it, you may lose."
He pointed to some encouraging results in 2005, including a 1-0 win over European champions Greece and a 2-2 draw against Brazil at the Confederations Cup.
"At our best we can more than match any of the top teams in the world and ability-wise I think we are on an equal footing," said Zico who has taken it upon himself to do better than what his predecessor did.
{{/usCountry}}"At our best we can more than match any of the top teams in the world and ability-wise I think we are on an equal footing," said Zico who has taken it upon himself to do better than what his predecessor did.
{{/usCountry}}Firebrand Frenchman Philippe Troussier had piloted Japan into the last 16 at the 2002 World Cup on home turf.