Japan to reveal nothing

Coach Philippe Troussier plans to protect Japan from spies working for group opponents Russia, Belgium and Tunisia in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup.

The Frenchman has insisted on a media blackout of Japan's training sessions from January, when the co-hosts are scheduled to assemble for their first camp of the year.

"In order to get the best out of the players, it will be important to protect them as much as possible," Troussier was quoted as saying on his return from South Korea.

"I just want them to concentrate on the job in hand," he told the Sankei Sports daily.

Troussier agreed Japan had received a reasonable draw.

"The result of the draw was a good sign for us. It gives us the possibility to progress in the tournament," he said.

Troussier, who will travel to watch Tunisia play in the African Nations Cup in January, pinpointed Japan's opening match against Belgium on June 4 as key to his side's chances of advancing from Group H.

"Obviously the first game will be crucial for us. Therefore it is vital that the players are in a relaxed frame of mind," he said.

"Of course we will feel some extra pressure to progress to the knockout stage but we have felt that pressure for the last six months," he said. "It is only going to increase from now on."

Japan are planning to cram up to seven matches into a three-month period next year in preparation for the World Cup, starting at the end of May.

The Asian champions are planning to play between five and seven fixtures from March, with a three-match European trip pencilled in for May, possibly including a friendly against Real Madrid on May 8.

The Japanese are scheduled to move to their World Cup base in Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, two weeks before the game with Belgium.