Soccer: Zico mulls Japanese offer

Former Brazil soccer star Zico says he will take his time in deciding whether to accept an offer to replace Frenchman Philippe Troussier as Japan's coach.

The Japan Football Association has confirmed that Zico is its first choice. Zico has been at J-League champions Kashima Antlers as player or coach since 1991. Japanese reports said he was expected to sign a four-year deal this month with the national team up to the next World Cup in 2006.

JFA officials said backup candidates include Aime Jacquet, who masterminded France's cup victory in 1998, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Bora Milutinovic, who took China to their first cup finals.