Now that the dust has settled after "Le Flop," Japan coach Philippe Troussier will have a clearer idea of what he needs to do to put his team's chemistry right before this month's friendly against Spain in Cordoba.
That Japan's normally acidic "sports" dailies gave Troussier some slack rather than a length of rope with which to hang himself after his side's 5-0 humiliation by France is proof that the Frenchman has made great strides with the national team.
But the manner of defeat in Paris on March 24 also exploded a number of myths surrounding the Japanese, who occupy a twilight zone similar to Manchester City's betwixt the Premier and Nationwide Leagues -- too big for Asia, not good enough for the big, wide world.