National News Japan out of World Cup finals

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DORTMUND, Germany（Kyodo) — Brazilian legend Zico's four years in charge of Japan ended in humiliation June 22 as the Asian champion was dumped out of the World Cup finals after a 1-4 defeat to Brazil.

Japan, who needed a miracle to have any chance of advancing to the second round, survived a barrage of attacks in the first 20 minutes and keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi managed a number of excellent saves to twice block Ronaldo and Robinho and then Juninho Pernambucano.

Keiji Tamada fired Japan into a shock lead in the 34th minute of his first World Cup but Ronaldo leveled with a wonderfully worked goal in first-half stoppage time.

Pernambucano's long-range effort made it 2-1 and another goal from Gilberto extended the five-time champion's lead in the 59th minute.

Ronaldo went on to complete the demolition with an exquisite second goal

Already assured of a place in the last 16, Brazil finished top of Group F with a maximum nine points and were joined in the knockout phase by Australia who drew 2-2 with Croatia.

Australia finished second with four points, Croatia on two points and Japan wrapping up a miserable campaign with just a point to show for its efforts

"The (1-3）loss to Australia in our opening match really hurt us. We needed to beat Brazil by at least two goals because of that defeat, and Ronaldo's goal late in the first half helped Brazil find its rhythm tonight," Zico said.

W杯、日本1次リーグで敗退

W杯グループF最終戦で22日、ブラジルと対戦した日本は1対4で敗れ、1次リーグ敗退が決まった。

Shukan ST: June 30, 2006

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