Japan World Cup star Matsuda dies

Former Japan defender Naoki Matsuda has died aged 34 two days after suffering a heart attack during training, FIFA have confirmed.

Matsuda, who won 40 caps for his country and played for the hosts at the 2002 World Cup, was training with his third division club Matsumoto Yamaga when he fell ill.

"It's with a sad heart that I write to you today, having learned of the tragic passing of Naoki Matsudau00a0-- the legendary defender of the national team of Japan," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on www.fifa.com. "On behalf of FIFA and the worldwide family of football, I wish to extend our condolences to you, to the Japanese football community and to Naoki Matsuda's friends and loved ones."