Sports / News
Jumpy Osim unable to watch Japan's shootout victory
(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-23 13:21
HANOI, July 22 - Japan coach Ivica Osim put his health first by refusing
to watching his side's penalty shootout victory over Australia in the
Asian Cup quarter-finals.
The Bosnian quickly disappeared down the tunnel after the whistle blew on
extra time on Saturday and was only informed of Japan's win by his
interpreter.
"When he told me we'd won I was jumping up and down and almost hit my
head on the dressing room ceiling," the 66-year-old told reporters.
"I don't like penalties. They're bad for my heart.
"I don't want to die in Japan. When I die I want it to be at home in
Sarajevo."
Japan's 4-3 shootout win over the Socceroos came after an absorbing game
many had expected would be the final had finished 1-1 in Hanoi.
A superstitious Osim instructed his players in which order they would be
taking their penalties and then promptly left the bench for the solitude
of the locker room.
"I didn't want to jinx the players by staying out there watching the
penalties," Osim said.
Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi kept out Australia's first two
kicks in the shootout to put Osim's side on course for victory.
"I had a dream before the game about saving a penalty," he smiled. "I
couldn't believe it actually came true."
A relieved Osim said: "I survived it somehow. I think the players did a
fantastic job. They were tired but they kept going until the end."
Having branded his players "amateurs" earlier in the tournament, Osim
refused to blame them for failing to break down Australia after Vince
Grella was dismissed in the 76th minute.
"It's harder sometimes to play against 10 men," he said.
"Often it gives you extra motivation when you have a player sent off.
They had a solid defence and (Mark) Schwarzer in goal."
However, Osim could not resist a dig at Australia's attack.
"They still had players like (Harry) Kewell on the pitch after the red
card. If they had had a Thierry Henry out there perhaps they would have
killed us."
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