Japan coach Okada intent on improving all aspects

Japan coach Takeshi Okada is intent on improving all aspects of his team in the lead up to next year’s World Cup.

Okada plans to use matches against Holland and Ghana in September and Scotland and Togo in October to help iron out any flaws his players may have.

He says although he will be planning to win, results are not crucial.

"We fight to win but we never avoid fighting strong sides for fear of losing," Okada said.

"If we lose, we lose.

"I want my players to feel in their bones the strength of first-ranking teams that have the potential to reach the last four.

"It is a good thing if problems are exposed.

“I wish to raise the level of our team by one step through these matches,” he added.

"We must improve the accuracy and speed of our kicking, outrun our opponents and outdo them in one-on-one battles for the ball.”