BONN, June 15: Japan coach Zico on Thursday angrily dismissed remarks by a senior FIFA official who said his team should have had a penalty in their World Cup opener.

FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said the Japanese deserved a penalty in Monday's 3-1 defeat by Australia but Zico was unimpressed by the timing of the comments.

“It's a FIFA problem but what's the point of them saying something like that now?” the Brazilian told reporters. “Nothing will change now.

“If it had been awarded at the time it could have changed everything.”

Siegler told reporters on Wednesday Japan should have been awarded a penalty when Australia substitute Tim Cahill lunged at Japan's Yuichi Komano in the second half with the score at 1-1.

Zico also complained about reports that referee Essam Abd El Fatah of Egypt had apologised to Australia's players for allowing Japan's controversial opening goal.

Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was knocked off balance by two Japanese players, allowing Shunsuke Nakamura's cross to sail over his head into the goal in the first half.

“FIFA need to sort this out,” fumed Zico. “A referee should not be able to say things like that.”

Japan, who reached the last 16 as co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup, face Croatia in their crunch second Group F game on Sunday.

Their final first-round opponents are favourites and world champions Brazil.—Reuters