Keisuke Honda
Pokemon dressed in their finest Japan blues
Pikachu supporting his country’s team
The final game of the group is Colombia. Tipped by some as dark horses to win the World Cup, ‘Los Cafeteros’ (The Coffee Growers) appear to have it all: pace, power, technical skill and height. That means they are able to adapt their style of play depending on their opponents. An injury means that there are doubts surrounding the including of their star player, Radamel Falcao. Even without Falcao though, they are still capable of scoring as they have a more than able replacement in Jackson Martinez. The aerial passes will be a particular problem for Japan to cope with, but with questions over ‘Los Cafeteros’ defence suggest that Japan will have chances to score. For those of you dedicated enough for the 4am start, you can expect to be rewarded with goals.
Japan’s Key Players Keisuke Honda is vital to Japan’s chances. The versatile attacking midfielder has been playing for AC Milan in Italy since January, but hasn’t been in form. Honda has so far only played on the wing for AC Milan, despite the centre being his favoured position. Japanese fans will be hoping that the blonde talisman is out to prove himself on the world stage. Japan’s other famous midfielder, Shinji Kagawa, has also been played in positions that haven’t suited him at Manchester United. The 25-year-old Hyogo-born midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent this season, but Japanese fans will be hoping he can rediscover the form that he was displaying a year ago when he became the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the English Premier league. Another player to look out for is Shinji Okazaki. Hyogo-born Okazaki, who currently plays in Germany for FC Mainz, has
CONNECT May Issue 2014
scored 35 times for Japan, making him the national team’s fourth highest ever goal scorer.
The Manager 51 Alberto Zaccheroni, an Italian national, who has previously managed clubs like Juventus, Lazio and AC Milan, currently manages the Japanese national team. In this role, he’s given younger players a chance and instilled an attacking brand of football into the team.
Japan’s Chances Whilst Japan’s group isn’t the easiest, it’s far from the most difficult. Japan’s victory over Belgium and a draw against the Netherlands in late 2013 gives us reason to believe Japan is capable of competing against much stronger sides. Japan will be eyeing the opening two fixtures for maximum points, so we can expect goals. Let’s hope we hear plenty of ‘NIPPON OLE ‘ this summer. Jonathon is a first year High School ALT from the UK currently living in Noshiro City, Northern Akita Prefecture. When he is not keeping up to date with football he has an insatiable interest in international relations and world affairs. Since arriving in Akita Prefecture, Jonathon has acquired a passion for skiing and nihonshu (but has yet to combine the two). He can confirm he is available for selection for several teams taking part in the World Cup, and is optimistic about receiving a call up to join any day now despite concerns over his fitness, ability, eligibility, experience and age.
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