Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Sao Paulo: AFC Asian Cup holders Japan will open their 2013 FIFA Confedrations Cup campaign against Brazil in the tournament curtain raiser in Brasilia on June 15.
In addition to the five-time World Champions, who recently reappointed former Bunyodkor boss Luiz Felipe Scolari as head coach, the draw for the eight-team tournament sees the Samurai Blue up against CONCACAF champions Mexico and Italy, with the latter match of particular significance to Japan head coach Alberto Zaccheroni (pictured).
"It'll be the first time I've faced Italy and I just can't picture it at the moment, though I'm pretty sure it won't be your average game," the former Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan manager said following Saturday's draw at the Anhembi Convention Centre in Sao Paulo.
"The important thing is to go and get a result. That's our number one objective. The three other sides are all above us in the world rankings, but the team has been improving and our players have picked up more experience abroad. I have to say, I'm very curious to see how we're going to do in this group."
Japan's Group A matches at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup:
June 15 v Brazil Brasilia
June 19 v Italy Recife
June 22 v Mexico Belo Horizonte
Photo: AFP