Japan are perhaps due to have a strong World Cup campaign. They became the first team to join hosts South Africa in the tournament draw, their fourth consecutive appearance, and are well-equipped according to the FIFA World Cup odds to finally do themselves justice on the world stage.
A last 16 appearance in 2002 was no mean feat, but that effort on home soil was over-shadowed by co-hosts South Korea’s run to the semi finals. That campaign was over-reliant on the craft of Hidetoshi Nakata, as were most of Japan’s recent appearances at major tournaments.
The rest of the squad was comprised of limited, hard-working players whose energetic pressing of the opposition did not achieve the same level of success that a similar style of play did for South Korea. Takeshi Okada’s current squad has a similar complexion, with World Cup In-play betting experts naming Shunsuke Nakamura as the current ace in the pack.
The former Celtic midfielder is a veteran of Japanese football but has flourished in recent years. He is set to become the fourth player to reach 100 caps for Japan and is playing the best football of his career.
Versatile enough to play across midfield, Nakamura’s outstanding quality is his wand-like left foot that unlocks defences with disguised passes and dangerous crosses. It gives him a fair share of superb goals, with long range shots and direct free-kicks a speciality.
Nakamura was left out of the 2002 squad due to a perceived lack of physical presence, but eight years in European leagues has helped him become stronger on the ball and more robust in the challenge.
However, Okada will not want his star man mired in midfield battles. The rest of his well-organised team can lay the foundations for a successful campaign; it is down to Nakamura to provide the special factor that can deliver another knockout stage appearance.
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