Norio Sasaki "satisfied" with attitude of players

Japan boss Norio Sasaki has criticised his side's first-half performance following their 0-0 draw with Sweden on Saturday.

The result leaves Japan second in Group F on goal difference, and despite the point, Sasaki also claimed that he was "satisfied" with their second half display.

"For the first half I was not satisfied with with what happened and during half-time I told them to deal better with their opponents," he told reporters.

"In the second half the offense was very quick and we had good chances and the players were very aggressive. I was satisfied with the attitude of our players."

Japan face South Africa in their final group game on July 31.