Iraq coach Zico has warned his compatriots that Brazil"s next opponents Japan will be no pushover for the Seleção.
Zico, who scored 52 goals in 72 appearances for Brazil, told Globoesporte: “It is the best Asian team. They are playing well, fast with 12 players in European football, and holders."
Zico recalled his days coaching in Japan with Kashima Antlers back in 1998 before moving onto the Japanese national team in 2002:
“In my day, players were there but they were booked. Arrived three days without training. It was better not to go. Pace of play is everything."
The Brazil legend believes Japan are much improved from his days coaching the Samurai Blue with the recent emergence of star players such as Manchester United"s Shinji Kagawa:
“Today, it has a holder at Inter, another of Manchester [United], the Hamburg – the team is strong. Will be good for Brazil."
Brazil will now face Japan on October 16 in Warsaw, Poland.
