Warriors to play Japan in Tokyo

This was confirmed yesterday by the Japan Football Association.

The match at Tokyo’s National Stadium will be Japan’s first match since the World Cup in Germany, where they crashed out after the first round.

It will also be the first match in which newly appointed Soca Warriors coach Wim Rijsbergen who takes over from Leo Beenhakker will be in charge.

The former Dutch World Cup star will have some new faces in his squad along with those who did the nation proud in Germany.

It was also announced that there will also be another couple of international outings for the TT footballers in September.

“The main focus for the team at first will be trying to pick up where we left off and getting things together again for the Gold Cup next year and this means that we will be on the look out for new players as well and play some matches along the way,” Rijsbergen said yesterday.

Former Yugoslavia coach Ivica Osim is set to take charge of the Japan team, previously under Brazilian coach Zico, with a deal with the JFA expected to be finalised within the next few weeks.

The JFA said Japan’s Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen, scheduled for August 16, will be played in Niigata.

TT played rivals South Korea in Seoul and held the 2002 World Cup hosts 1-1 two years ago with Jason Scotland scoring a sizzling second half-equaliser.

Meanwhile, experienced newly signed Dallas FC goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has welcomed the appointment of Rijsbergen.

“It’s really good news that Wim has been appointed as it gives a real sense of continuity to the successes we recently experienced in Germany this summer,” Hislop said.

“Leo Beehakker certainly had unprecedented success as head coach of the TT national team, this was due in no small part to Wim’s attention to detail, professionalism and knowledge of the game.

“I am also excited by the fact that he intends to consult with Russell and Dwight on aspects of the TT game which I think is vital in all of our efforts to continue our development and showcase what has always made our football special,” added the former West Ham United goalie.