Confederations Cup Team Preview: Japan

Players to Look Out For

Keisuke Honda:

He is known worldwide for his phenomenal pace, quick dribbling and shots that rocket past the keeper. The CSKA Moscow midfielder had 19 goals this season and is already looked up by AC Milan if Kevin Prince Boateng leaves this summer. He is a constant threat as an attacker and has good aerial ability too.

Shinji Kagawa:

The most highly rated on this list and a lethal attacker. Following the 23-years-old move to Manchester United to win his first Premier League title has instilled great confidence in him. He sits comfortably behind the striker to assist him and has got amazing first touches and ball control. Let him loose and unmarked and you will pay the price.

Yasuhito Endo:

Having 128 caps for Japan (the highest ever) says it all. He is a legend in himself and is probably the best adaptable midfielder Japan has ever had. He has featured 10 times consecutively in the J-league’s Best Eleven. Plus he is sensational from set pieces with his remarkable accuracy in taking free kicks. Endo has formed a central spine in the squad. He also possesses a very high football IQ, starkly visible in his intelligent positioning. His presence is bound to inspire the rest of the squad.

Makoto Hasebe (Captain):

May not be a world class player, but the Wolfsburg man has got the right mix of positioning and marking abilities. He has effectively adopted a holding defensive midfield role to assist the feeble backline and is also the captain of the side. A calm and stable player who has good leadership qualities shall be pivotal to their side.

Yuto Nagatomo:

His battery never runs out and he can probably run 90 days than minutes. He is an excellent fullback who has the adaptability to play wing back, winger or centre back. He is an excellent defender and fits well into Zaccheroni’s plans to promote him upfield in the second half of play to send in crosses from the wing.

Eiji Kawashima:

He came into the limelight during the World cup 2010, where his impressive performances made him the first choice keeper for Japan. Since then he has come a long way. He was bombarded during his time at Lierse S.K. and produced saves despite a very weak defence. Ever since his move to Standard Liege, he has overtaken everyone else to become to become one of the finest keepers in Belgian Pro League.

How they shall fare in the tournament

Japan have been placed with Brazil, Mexico and Italy. While no doubt Japan are in great run of form at the moment, they will face world class opponents ahead of them. Brazil and Italy, with their team pressing and organised play shall not give away many chances. Hence, Japan need to do what they do the best, hold the ball in the first half and change formation and attack in the second run of play. They also will need to capitalise on every chance that comes their way, for chances are gonna be few. They slipped up against relatively weaker sides in their run to qualification to WC 2014 and will have to carry forward what they had learned from those outings. With an experienced and tactical coach by their side, players who have of recent got exposure to the highly competitive football in Europe they are the dark horses of the competition. The competition shall expose their weaknesses and show they stand against few of the world’s finest teams and it will be interesting how they turn up in the prelude to the World Cup.