Zaccheroni to stay with Japan for two more years

Tokyo, June 24 (IANS) Alberto Zaccheroni, head coach of the Japanese football team, has been given a contract extension for two more years, said the country's football association Saturday.

Zaccheroni's contract extension means the 59-year-old will lead the reigning Asian champions through the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Zaccheroni's deal, however, could be shortened if Japan fail to qualify for the World Cup. The Asian qualifying tournament wraps up in June 2013.

Taking charge of the national side on a two-year contract in August 2010, the Italian guided Japan to a record fourth Asian Cup title in Qatar last year before making the third round of World Cup qualifications, Xinhua reported.

Japan now have seven points after three games in Group B, beating Oman 3-0, Jordan 6-0 and tying Australia 1-1 this month in the final round of qualifiers.