Japan sack Vahid Halilhodzic ahead of World Cup

Japan have decided to sack manager Vahid Halilhodzic after the team's recent results in friendlies ahead of the World Cup.

Halilhodzic had been in charge of Japan since March 2015, with 19 wins being recorded from his 35 matches in all competitions.

However, Japan have failed to win any of their last three fixtures, with defeats coming against South Korea and Ukraine either side of a draw with Mali.

That has led to JFA President Kozo Tashima opting to make a change in the dugout, with Halilhodzic's replacement expected to be revealed during the early part of this week.

Japan will play Colombia, Poland and Senegal during the group stages of the World Cup, which gets underway in June.