The Japansese advanced to the Group of 16 dismantling the Danes. One of the highlights was a free kick by Yasuhito Endo who should be called “Bendo” that curled forever into the left hand corner of goal.
Zico who trained the Samurai Blue for the 2006 World Cup in their unsuccessful bid to reach the group of 16 remembers following Endo’s progress in the reserves.
At that time Endo would not touch a free kick.
The day Zico felt he was hitting the ball well, he called him over. The Brazilian coach told the startled Endo, ” From now on you will be taking all the free kicks. We have to train you to be perfect.”
” I feel happy he made that goal in the World Cup. I feel responsible for him being in the national team.”
Endo might score more. Zico might have to put out more statements.