Japan coach Zico puts a stop to tinkering

BONN, Germany, June 5 (Reuters) Japan coach Zico has pledged to stop tinkering with his side ahead of their first World Cup match on June 12.

Injuries, though, could disrupt the Brazilian's preparations for the Group F opener against Australia in Kaiserslautern.

Zico is unlikely to spring any late surprises despite calling up 66 players during his four years in charge.

''If it's not broke there is no point messing around with it,'' he told reporters today. ''At this stage I'm extremely happy with things and we are in good shape for the Australia game.'' Wing back Akira Kaji is doubtful after suffering a badly bruised foot in last week's 2-2 warm-up draw with Germany.

''There's still some swelling around his right ankle but we will make every effort to get him fit for the game with Australia,'' said team doctor Tsuguo Morikawa.

Front men Naohiro Takahara and Atsushi Yanagisawa are also carrying knocks but should recover in time to start against Guus Hiddink's Socceroos.

Japan almost inflicted major embarrassment on the World Cup hosts in Leverkusen after a Takahara double gave the Asian champions a two-goal lead.

A narrow 1-0 victory over Malta yesterday in their final dress rehearsal dampened the mood slightly.

The return of Takahara and Yanagisawa for the opening game would be a huge boost for Japan.

''They did not play against Malta because they weren't 100 percent and we're saving them for Australia,'' said Zico. ''I'm not worried.'' Takahara, in particular, will be desperate to play after enduring World Cup heartbreak four years ago when he was ruled out by a form of deep vein thrombosis.

REUTERS AY PM1922