Japan request more time to finalise Asian Cup squad

TOKYO, June 15 (Reuters) Holders Japan have asked the Asian Football Confederation for a two-day extension before naming their Asian Cup squad, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said today.

Japan coach Ivica Osim will name his squad on Monday because the Bosnian wanted to be sure none of the players were injured during this weekend's J-League games.

The 2006 World Cup qualifiers are set to hold a three-day training camp before flying to Vietnam on July 4. They play Qatar in Hanoi in their Group B opener on July 9.

Japan will be bidding for a third straight Asian Cup title after winning the tournament in 2000 and 2004.

This year's finals take place from July 7-29 and will be co-hosted by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

REUTERS TB ND1554