It’s not a life that many in football aspire to, but after crashing out of involvement with world cup 2010 live betting, Japan manager Takeshi Okada has decided to retire to a life of farming and writing poetry.
His side performed better than many expected, claiming second spot in Group E behind a very impressive Dutch side.
The Blue Samurai played some excellent football when beating Denmark 3-1 to secure their place in the second round but they were unable to replicate this against Paraguay and a penalty shoot-out sealed their fate.
Speaking to Japanese TV after the defeat, Okada revealed that his time in football is over and he is ready to start a new life.
He said: “I want to get away from soccer. Even if I was offered a new contract, it won’t happen. So let’s not talk about it.”
The Japanese FA will now have to find a replacement for a man who got the best out of a side many expected to finish bottom of a tough group. In their victories over Cameroon and Denmark, the team looked well drilled and ensuring the new coach is able to recreate this should be the top priority.
South Korea, who also pulled off a minor shock by making it to the second round before being knocked out by a South American side, are on the lookout for a new manager as well.
Huh Jung-moo decided not to extend his contract and wants time to “recharge himself” after the rigours of a World Cup campaign.
Despite not making it as far as World cup 2010 final betting, the Asian sides have done well in this tournament and have largely justified the decision to give them four automatic qualifying places. Admittedly, North Korea were the worst side in the tournament, but only goal difference prevented Australia from joining the two other Asian sides in the last 16.
By comparison, less than half of the European sides managed to get out of their group, so Okada and Huh must have been doing something right.
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