Japan players cannot take criticism, says Osim

TOKYO, Sep 7 (Reuters) Japan coach Ivica Osim said Japanese players were unable to take criticism positively after a fortuitous 1-0 Asian Cup qualifying win in Yemen.

Substitute Kazuki Ganaha's injury-time goal sent holders Japan through to next year's finals yesterday but a poor display in Sana'a enfuriated Osim.

''The result was the only positive,'' fumed Osim. ''I'm not criticising the players but if you tell them this or that was not good, the fear is they'll get a complex about it and play worse.'' Osim added: ''It's an old disease of Japanese football and I don't see it improving anytime soon.'' Next year's Asian Cup will be co-hosted by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

REUTERS PM VV1036