Japan coach Philippe Troussier on Sunday said he felt a great sense of satisfaction after seeing his side march into the semifinals of the Confederations Cup with a superb 2-0 win over Cameroon in Niigata on Saturday.
Troussier, speaking at a press conference, said he was pleased that after winning two games with five goals scored and none conceded, the team could now relax when they play Brazil in their final Group B match in Kashima on Monday.
"I think that this is the first time in history that Japan can take on Brazil in a relaxed frame of mind," Troussier said, but he added that there is still work to be done and that it is still up to the players to remain motivated.
The Frenchman, whose gamble to give Takayuki Suzuki his first full international start against Cameroon paid off when the Kashima Antlers striker repaid his boss with a goal in each half, indicated that he will be making changes to the side which beat Cameroon.
"If we hadn't won our first two games, it would be a different situation but now that we are in the semifinal it will give other players a chance to create new dynamics," said Troussier.
Troussier said he will have some idea of who he will select and rest after his players undergo a medical check at a training session at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture later Sunday.