Source: "The Japan Times" October 2 or 3, 1999
Text: KUMI KINOHARA ("The Japan Times" staff writer)
Part 1
It took a long time coming, but finally the Japanese press turned against
its one genuine soccer superstar.
After scoring four goals against Uzbekistan in the first game of the final
round of qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup, the fortunes of Kazu Miura,
and, in turn, the Japan national team, took a sharp turn for the worst.
Kazu's goals dried up and Japan was in serious danger of failing to qualify
for the World Cup in France. Manager Shu Kamo was fired and after a lackluster
goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating fans kept
the national team penned in the National Stadium.
As the team leader, Kazu was the obvious target for a scapegoat. Despite
years of favorable treatment from the Japanese press, Japanese soccer was
in a crisis and the knives were out for the team's big guns.
New manager Takeshi Okada managed to steer Japan to the World Cup finals
for the first time, but at the last minute, he decided that Kazu was surplus
to requirements and the Japanese star's dream of going to soccer's premier
event to represent his country was over.
Kazu - who was finished, as far as the Japanese media were concerned - remained
with Verdy Kawasaki through 1998 before transferring to Croatia Zagreb and
starting anew.
"I kept hearing that I was 'in decline' or I'd 'reached my limits,' and
should retire," Kazu, now with Kyoto Purple Sanga, told The Japan Times
last week. "I didn't feel that way and wanted to prove that I was still
capable of performing.
"In Croatia, the people didn't know much about me, but no one thought my
game was declining. I focused on trying to play my normal game, using some
moves that I used to like when I was small. I was only there six months
or so, but it was fun."
Kazu, now in his 13th year as a pro, said that his attitude changed for
the better as a result of these experiences - even criticism of his play
from the press - and he tried to put a positive slant on things, which,
he thinks, has improved him as a player and a person.
"It took me 13 years to think like this," he admitted. "I could have been
a better player if I'd thought like this in my 20s, but maybe it would also
have made me less appealing."
Despite his positive feelings, Kazu found it hard to establish himself in
Zagreb. Ironically, when former Shimizu S-Pulse manager Ossie Ardiles took
over, things took a turn for the worse. Ardiles made it clear that Kazu
didn't figure in his plans in any way and the globe-trotting striker was
forced to pack his bags once again.
But Croatia gave Kazu a welcome respite from the pressure he was under in
Japan and the former Verdy star now has a different aura about him. He's
more calm and relaxed than ever before. What happened to him and what did
he learned in Croatia and Europe?
"Pressure was there, for sure, but I rediscovered the pleasure of playing
soccer could relieve the pressure," he explained. "I found happiness in
soccer again in Croatia and that remains. I got along well with my teammates
and the club and had a good, stable life. I really enjoyed playing soccer.
"I didn't have many opportunities to play after the manager changed, but
I didn't take it too hard. I just took the view that I was preparing for
the following season.
"I really like Croatia and it's one place I really want to visit again."
In his career, Kazu has played in 135 games in Brazil, 21 for Serie A side
Genoa and 300 games so far for Japanese clubs.
He played for Japan 86 times and scored 54 goals.
Kazu played in 12 matches for Zagreb last season before being told he was
no longer required. He tried to find another club in Europe and took part
in practice sessions with a few clubs, including Bournemouth and Millwall.
He came very close to signing with Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.
"Everything was arranged - my salary and winning bonus, a place to live,
a car, everything. But the transfer fee ruined the deal," he said. "For
some reason, Zagreb set a high transfer fee for me." Sure that he would
be going to Scotland, he had turned down all other offers, including one
from Kyoto.
"When the deal fell through, I didn't feel like starting all over again
to look for another club in Europe."
Searching for a new club was tough on the player and some clubs automatically
expected to attract a sponsor on the strength of Kazu's name.
"Then Kamo-san called me up," Kazu said in reference to the Kyoto manager.
"That made up my mind. Ability is important, but a good manager is equally
important. I believe the best place for a player is with a manager who wants
you."
To be continued
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