Focus is Olympic glory

8220;At the moment, we stand by our decision to bar any player from competing in both the Asian Cup and the Olympics,8221; JFA spokesman Yuichi Sugano said today. 8220;Ultimately, it will be left up to judgements by the two coaches. We cannot tell until the last stage.8221;

Japan coach Zico refused to comment on the possibility, the day before the World Cup qualifier with India here tomorrow. 8220;I only have the India match on my mind now. I will think about it after tomorrow8217;s match,8221; the Brazilan great told reporters when asked about Ono8217;s role.

Japan had cherished Olympic glory above everything else in football until they debuted in the World Cup finals in 1998 then made the last 16 at the 2002 edition on home turf.

Zico earlier said he would let Yamamoto take any one of his internationals for the Athens Olympics in August.

But now his squad has injury problems with Bologna midfielder Nakata, 27, having missed the last three internationals with a groin injury. He is sidelined from the India match and still touch-and-go for the Asian Cup.

Fulham midfielder Junichi Inamoto injured his left shin in Japan8217;s memorable 1-1 away draw with England last week and must sit out the region8217;s showpiece event.

SV Hamburg striker Naohiro Takahara has been hit by a recurring pulmonary embolism, which also kept him away from the 2002 World Cup finals at home.