Viduka Accused Of 'Abuse' During Match

Last updated : 22 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Yuji Nakazawa has accused Viduka of continually abusing him during Japan's Asian Cup quarter-final win over the Socceroos.

The Japan defender scored the decisive kick in the shootout to send the holders into the last four but was not happy as Viduka gave as much as he took.

Nakazawa: "I've got a few bruises. There was some kicking going on from him - and from me.

"He's a big guy but I didn't want to back down. He kept saying nasty stuff
to me during the game. I'm not telling you what. You'll have to ask him."

Japan, bidding for a third successive Asian Cup title, won 4-3 on penalties
after the match had finished deadlocked at 1-1 following extra-time.

Shunsuke

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Celtic Star Targets Viduka To Be 'Marked Like A Hog'!
By Nu Mad Friday 20th July 2007

Australia play Japan in the Asian Cup quarterfinal on Saturday and Celtic's Shunsuke Nakamura says Mark Viduka was one of the main reasons why Japan crashed to the Socceroos 3-1 in the World Cup in Germany.

Shunsuke Nakamura: "Marking him like hogs isn't the only way to pressure him. We will discuss how. For now, I'd rather say, 'Let us not be afraid.

"Japan's three backs held back so deep against Viduka. We retreated no matter what and we were in danger very near the goal. We should have pushed up.

"They have the same key players here. It's no good to repeat the same mistake.

Nakamura's midfield buddy Yasuhito Endo: "They basically attacked with Viduka keeping the ball and others coming up in the group matches. This image has not greatly changed since last year.

"We are inferior physically. So we need to work harder and pass the ball around better.

"We have lost one goal each game. We lacked concentration against Vietnam and Qatar as we gave up goals on set plays. We are determined not to yield a goal in the next game."

Despite boasting 15 World Cup veterans including Viduka, Harry Kewell, Cahill and Aloisi, the Socceroos barely made the last eight in the Asian Cup (a competition they were favourites to win) after drawing 1-1 with Oman, losing to Iraq 3-1 before whipping Thailand 4-0.

The 31-year-old Viduka has suggested he will retire after the Asian Cup.