2014 FIFA World Cup: Alberto Zaccheroni resigns as Coach after Japan's first round exit

Albero Zaccheroni has decided to step down as coach of Japan Football Team

Takes full responsibility for the team’s failure

Alberto Zaccheroni has resigned as the coach of Japan Football team after the Asians crashed out of the 2014 World Cup failing to advance into the next round.

Japan had a disappointing campaign as they lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast. drew 0-0 with Greece before losing the all important match to Colombia 4-1.

The 61 year old Italian who had taken over from Takeshi Okada in 2010 thanked the team for the support and took full responsibility of the team’s failure.

"I really wanted to take us forward and qualify for the second round and I am so disappointed. But I picked the team, decided on the tactics and how we play and I want to take full responsibility," Zaccheroni was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.

"Everyone got together at lunch today and I offered my thanks to all the people that have supported the team. I would select exactly the same players and staff if I had another chance,"said the Italian.

Under Zaccheroni, the Asians had got off to a fantastic start as they not only defeated Argentina in a friendly but managed to remain unbeaten in sixteen matches they played.

Japan also won the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 which added another feather to the cap of the Italian.

But things began to go downhill for both Zaccheroni and the Japan Football team as three defeats in the Confederation Cup last year and a dismal show in 2014 World Cup began to pose serious questions about the capabilities of the Italian.

Dismal performance due to lack of physical strength among the players

Zaccheroni who wanted his team to go till the quarter-finals of the ongoing tournament felt that the team despite rich in talent lacked physical strength which ultimately catapulted in their dismal performance in the tourney.

"I think the culture of Japanese soccer and the special characteristics and technique of the players can cut it on the world stage, but physical strength is what is lacking," he said.

"I have tried to create a team with speed and intensity and don't think the direction I tried to take the team was the wrong one” added Zaccheroni.

Zaccheroni, however asked the team to maintain the same intensity and felt that they have the potential to improve and become better in the coming days.

"I think the team should continue on the same path it has been on for the last four years"signed off the Italian.