Honda says Japan needs to improve

TOKYO - Keisuke Honda says Japan needs to raise its game ahead of World Cup qualifiers, contradicting coach Alberto Zaccheroni, who said he was pleased with the scoreless friendly draw with the Czech Republic.

The Asian champion attempted 11 shots, including four Honda freekicks, against an under-strength Czech side, but towering Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech stood in its way at Yokohama's Nissan Stadium on Tuesday.

Zaccheroni praised his men for their efforts to adjust to a new 3-4-3 formation which they had already tested in another 0-0 draw with Peru in a friendly in Niigata last week.