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World Cup: Alberto Zaccheroni set for talks after Japan's failure

CUIABA, BRAZIL - JUNE 24:  Head coach Alberto Zaccheroni of Japan looks on after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between Japan and Colombia
Image: Alberto Zaccheroni: Emotional at final whistle

Alberto Zaccheroni says he will discuss his future with the Japan Football Association after their World Cup failure.

The Blue Samurai claimed just one point from their three fixtures as they finished bottom of Group C.

Zaccheroni's side still had a chance to progress when they lined up against Colombia in Cuiaba on Tuesday night and despite falling behind to a Juan Cuadrado penalty, they equalised when Shinji Okazaki headed home in first-half stoppage time.

However, their quest for a winning goal left them wide open at the back and two goals from Jackson Martinez and another from substitute James Rodriguez gave the South Americans a 4-1 victory, with Greece beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in Fortaleza to go through as Group C runners-up.

Zaccheroni admitted his players, who lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast before drawing 0-0 with Greece, had performed well below par in Brazil.

"In general terms, we all thought we would play a lot better," said the 61-year-old Italian.

"Especially in the first half - even against strong opposition - I think we were able to show that when we play with intensity as we normally do, then we are able to generate opportunities to win.

More from World Cup Group C

CUIABA, BRAZIL - JUNE 24:  Maya Yoshida of Japan (R) reacts after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between Japan and Colombia in Cuiaba
Image: Japan: Woe at final whistle

"This team could have done a lot more. I'm certain that here in Brazil, I brought a great squad."

Zaccheroni has been in charge of Japan since August 2010 and led them to a fourth Asian Cup title the following year, but his future is now in major doubt.

He described coaching Japan as an "incredible experience" but admitted his tenure may now be over.

"Now we will go back to Japan and after that, I will speak with the management and we will let you know whether or not I will stay," he added.

"I think it's appropriate for this question to be discussed within the team first."