Though Japan miss several star players, Oman prefer not to underestimate them when the Asian Cup debutantes meet the defending champions Tuesday in Chongqing, Oman coach Milan Macala said.

"Even though Japan are without four or five of their European stars, like Takahara and Nakata, there are other Japanese players waiting like hungry dogs behind the door," said Macala after Oman's last training session before their Asian Cup debut.

"They will want to show what they can do to maybe attract a club in Europe. This is a fantastic opportunity for them," he added.

Much of the attention in the build-up to Tuesday's match has been focused on the last meeting between the two sides in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in February when a late Tatsuhiko Kubo goal earned Japan a 1-0 win in Saitama. Macala feels that result has no major relevance to Tuesday's clash.

"We must forget about the last game in Japan. This is a new game and the score is 0-0,"said Macala.

The Czech declined to reveal his expected starting 11, as the former Kuwait and Saudi Arabia boss prepares for his third Asian Cup tournament but did want to stress the significance of the moment.

"The most important thing to say is that this is the first time in their history that Oman have taken part in the Asian Cup. It is an excellent opportunity for the players to show that we are one of the best 16 teams in Asia.

"I saw Japan play in England and against the Czech Republic and they have many talented players but we also want to show that we have talented players and hope to give a good performance on Tuesday."

While Japan have yet to lose to Oman in four previous meetings, their current coach Zico is expecting another close encounter.

"We are expecting a tough game against Oman and we know that we must play very well to win,"said the Brazilian, who has seen his side decimated by injury and call-ups to Japan's 2004 Olympic squad.

"Oman were very strong in the World Cup qualifier but we won at the end of the 90 minutes which is the most important thing. In that match they attacked only a few times but their defense and midfield is very tough."

Source: Xinhua