Japan coach Takeshi Okada has insisted that his squad's target of a semi-final spot at next year's World Cup remains unchanged no matter who may stand in their way.
"Nothing will change," he told Japanese media when he was shown by journalists the complete list of 32 World Cup qualifiers and asked if he would still stick to the ambitious goal.
Asked which countries Japan, former Asian champions, want to avoid at South Africa 2010, he said "I don't think about it at all."
"We've got tougher as a team and moved forward little by little in the past year," Okada added. "We may not look brilliant but we have more stable strength."
Henry is not a cheat - Beckham
David Beckham has defended Thierry Henry following the France striker's controversial handball in the World Cup play-off against Ireland.
Henry has been condemned as a cheat following his part in the decisive goal in Wednesday night's game.
But Beckham said: "I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it.
"I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player. It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football."
Ferguson backs calls for video
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he would like to see video technology used to clear up controversial decisions - but cannot see the sport's governing bodies adopting any new schemes in the near future.
"The stance is that they prefer human decision-making rather than technology decision-making and until they change their mind there is nothing you can do about it - you have to convince them, nobody else," Ferguson said.
"It is not a matter of asking every player and manager in the world their opinion because they will all share the same one, as I do myself, that technology can play a part and can help referees in a situation like the other night (France vs Ireland play-off)."
Keane blames Irish defence and keeper
Former captain Roy Keane blamed Ireland's defenders and goalkeeper rather than Thierry Henry for the controversial goal which ended their World Cup hopes.
Keane, now manager of Ipswich Town, told a televised news conference yesterday: "France were there for the taking and Ireland didn't do it. Same old story.
"They can complain all they want but France are going to the World Cup. Get over it. If I'd been there in the dressing room after the game, I wouldn't be talking about the handball. I'd focus on why the defenders didn't clear it. They should've cleared it.
"I'd be more annoyed with my defenders and my goalkeeper than Thierry Henry. How can you let the ball bounce in your six-yard box?"
Van Gaal warned over management style
Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has been advised to make changes to his management style by two of the most senior figures at the club.
General manager Uli Hoeness and president Franz Beckenbauer both urged the Dutchman in an interview with Bild not to take on so much responsibility himself.
Hoeness said: "Louis van Gaal has the opinion that he has to sort out everything himself. But one single person can't do everything.
"Louis is also still surprised by the power which is behind FC Bayern. The secret is probably that all parties have to recognise that they have to cooperate. The coaches, the board, the medical staff etc."
Beckenbauer added: "He has to learn to delegate trust and responsibility."
Trezeguet out for a month
Juventus forward David Trezeguet will be out of action for about a month because of a calf injury sustained in training, the Serie A club said.
"Calf problem for Trezeguet: 30 days out," the second-placed Turin side said on their website (www. juventus.com).
The 32-year-old former France striker is Juve's top scorer in the league this season with six goals.
Claudio Marchisio and Alessandro Del Piero will be back in time for tomorrow's match against Udinese, but Juve are still without Vincenzo Iaquinta and Momo Sissoko.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is also suffering from a meniscus problem in his knee but has pledged to play through the pain until the winter break when he'll undergo surgery.
Inzaghi told to wait for new deal
Milan will not be rushed into contract talks with players whose current deals finish at the end of the season, Adriano Galliani, the club's vice-president, was quoted as saying.
Earlier this week, veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi revealed that he would like to end his career with the Rossoneri. However, he did also add that if he weren't playing regularly enough then he would consider other offers.
"Everyone whose contract expires on June 30, 2010 will need to wait until the spring. On that date, we'll see where Milan are," Galliani explained.
"We have to have the absolute certainty of participating in the Champions League."