Coach Zico hits out at Japan’s early kickoffs

NUREMBERG: Japan coach Zico said it was criminal that his team had to play another afternoon match in hot weather when they drew 0-0 with Croatia on Sunday.

"It's a crime that we had to play in this heat again," said the Brazilian after his team fired blanks in the Group F match.

"Our last game was at three o'clock too but they want to do it that way for television. I guess business is business," he said.   

The temperature at the Frankenstadion was 27 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) during the match. Japan also kicked off at 3pm local time (1300 GMT) in their 3-1 defeat by Australia last Monday.   

The highlight of a tight game was a superb first-half penalty save by Japan keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi from Darijo Srna as both sides missed a series of chances. 

"We lost our way a little bit in the second half," said Zico.

"But while you’re still breathing you're still alive and we'll do all we can to stay alive."   

Australia and world champions Brazil, who meet later on Sunday, top the group with three points while Croatia and Japan have a point apiece as they bid to reach the last 16.