Japan coach Zico continues to sweat over the fitness of right wing-back Akira Kaji as the clock ticks down to his side’s World Cup opener against Australia.

Frank Lampard may have little to reproach himself for, yet the ifs and Butts remain as large as ever for Sven-Goran Eriksson as he ponders England’s Euro 2004 midfield.

Japan’s hopes of World Cup glory came to an end as the co-hosts bade a fond sayonara on an ignominiously wet, grey afternoon.

Japan’s hopes of World Cup glory came to an end as the co-hosts bade a fond sayonara on an ignominiously wet, grey afternoon.