Zico set to become
Japan's new coach

Former Brazil international Zico is the leading candidate to take over from Frenchman Philippe Troussier as coach of Japan, the Japan Football Association confirmed on Wednesday.

Zico, who has been at J-League champions Kashima Antlers in either a playing or a coaching capacity since 1991, is expected to sign a four-year deal up to the 2006 World Cup.

"There are still things like salary and a lot of other conditions to sort out, so it is not decided yet but he is on our list," JFA press manager Hideto Teshima said.

The shortlist is also thought to include Aime Jacquet, who masterminded France's World Cup triumph in 1998, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Bora Milutinovic, available after taking China to their first World Cup.

Troussier, who took charge in September 1998, stepped down after guiding the co-hosts to the second round of the World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Turkey.

Zico was part of arguably the best team not to win the World Cup when Brazil went out 3-2 to a Paolo Rossi hat-trick in Spain in 1982.

The 49-year-old played alongside another former Japan coach, Falcao, in the Brazilian midfield.