Former Japan World Cup defender dies after collapse

Naoki Matsuda celebrates victory during the 2002 World Cup (Getty)

Former Japan defender Naoki Matsuda died in hospital yesterday, two days after collapsing during training from a suspected heart attack. He was 34.

Matsuda, who won 40 caps and played at the 2002 World Cup, was put on an artificial respirator after arriving at hospital unconscious on Tuesday.

"It's terrible to see someone die at such a young age," said former Japan coach Philippe Troussier, who gave Matsuda his international debut.