Soccer-Jumpy Osim unable to watch Japan's shootout victory

By Alastair Himmer

HANOI, July 22 (Reuters) - Japan coach Ivica Osim put his health first by refusing to watching his side's penalty shootout victory over Australia in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The Bosnian quickly disappeared down the tunnel after the whistle blew on extra time on Saturday and was only informed of Japan's win by his interpreter.

"When he told me we'd won I was jumping up and down and almost hit my head on the dressing room ceiling," the 66-year-old told reporters.

"I don't like penalties. They're bad for my heart.

"I don't want to die in Japan. When I die I want it to be at home in Sarajevo."

Japan's 4-3 shootout win over the Socceroos came after an absorbing game many had expected would be the final had finished 1-1 in Hanoi.

A superstitious Osim instructed his players in which order they would be taking their penalties and then promptly left the bench for the solitude of the locker room.

"I didn't want to jinx the players by staying out there watching the penalties," Osim said.