Japan’s World Cup Overview

Japan (Samurai Blue)
It is looking like Japan’s World Cup qualification is becoming automatic in recent years. The current continental champions of Asia, are back again into the Fifa World Cup.

They were the first to book their place in the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Japan entered the competition on a 5-2-1 (W-D-L) qualification run, making it the 5th time in a row that Japan has qualified for the Fifa World Cup since their debut in 1998.

Japan are not in the World Cup as favorites to win, but falling in Group C a substential amount of hope of an advancing into the knockout stage.
Japan rely on a well organized team formation, than they do on a star player. With that said, there are star players on the team that will be expected to be the difference makers.

The Venom

Shinji Okazaki is the main target man for Japan. The 27 year old striker was the top goal scorer in the AFC World Cup qualifiers. He is the only active player in the list of top 5 record goal scorers for Japan. He should have enough in his tank to get into the top 3 overall record goal scorers the nation.
There is also the Dutch import, Mike Havenaar. Standing in at 6’4”, Havenenaar gives a focus point to Japan’s ariel attacks.

The Control and Support

Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa will be the midfield star attraction in this team with his playmaking skill and vision. He has had experience playing with and against the top clubs in the world, and this is an advantage Japan will counting on.

Also has on board is Keisuke Honda. He is currently part of AC Milan’s quest to come back to their position as one of European giant teams. Honda will be supporting the attacking forwards from the midfield. He can also play in the center forward position.
There is also the veteran midfielder Yasuhito Endō

The Bouncers
Japan has more of an organized team defending, than a standout defender. Some exceptional defenders to look for will be Yūto Nagatomo from Inter Milan, Nagatomo is a versatile player who can play on both sides of the field. He is also and asset to attack

Nagatoma in flight

Other players on the team that are likely to play a major role in the defensive work will be; Atsuto Uchida, Maya Yoshida, Yuzo Kurihara and Yasuyuki Konno

So what is it for Japan? How will the Japanese fare.

By comparison, they are fortunate to be in Group C. Because of how evenly match as Group C might be, Japan might have to work a little harder to get the advantage in this group. They have the right amount of star players, experience players and team chemistry to get enough points to secure a place in the knockout stage.

There has been a rhythm to Japan’s Fifa World Cup exits since their debut in the 1998 Fifa World Cup.
‘Group Stage- Round of 16-Group Stage-Round of 16 – ???’
It is obviously not scientific, but its rhymes.

As always, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Japan will make their advantage count.