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A semi final appearance for Japan would mark the beginning of a new era for the Samurai Blue. Under Italian manager Alberto Zaccheroni, they are looking to build on a successful World Cup in South Africa.
Their, they announced their arrival as a more mature outfit than the one that had previously failed to get beyond the group stages at a World Cup away from home.
Wins against Argentina, Paraguay and a draw with South Korea in Seoul in the build-up to the Asian Cup are encouraging but Qatar will be a real test for Zaccheroni.
How They Qualified
Without much difficulty they emerged as winners of Group A, losing just one game away against Bahrain. Japan twice thrashed Hong Kong (6-0 and 4-0 in back-to-back meetings), confirming their place at the tournament with a game to spare. Shinji Okazaki was his side's top scorer during qualifying with six goals, as they plundered in 17 in six matches and conceded just four times.
Coach & Tactics
Though Takeshi Okada's leadership bore fruit in South Africa, the Japanese Football Association decided a new man was needed to take the country to the next level. After a delay in announcing a successor, Zaccheroni arrived but not exactly to open arms amongst supporters and the media. In fact, the 1-0 win over Argentina wasn't in itself enough to appease critics, who called for a more offensive display. The former AC Milan boss has drilled his new outfit in defence, so it remains to be seen whether they'll be able to take an expansive game to Qatar.
Star Player
Shinji Kagawa has burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga with his goals for Borussia Dortmund and is the new hope for Japan. Missing from the campaign in South Africa, he has wonderful skill and finishing ability.
It's incredible to think that the youngster was playing in the Japanese second tier just last season and at 21 years-old much more can be expected from this prodigy as his career develops.
His star is matched only by Keisuke Honda, the CSKA Moscow midfielder who was one of the standout players in South Africa.
Fans' Expectations
With three Asian Cup titles already to their name there isn't a desperation for a tournament victory but a semi final exit in 2007 was a bitter pill to swallow. There will be understanding if Zaccheroni is unable to lead his side to victory but a semi final appearance is the minimum expectation.
Goal.com Prediction
On paper they are probably the strongest team at the tournament, boasting a number of European stars who are in excellent form domestically. Facing Saudi Arabia in the group stages will be a stern test, though they should make light work of Jordan and Syria. The quarter finals won't be as difficult as the semi finals, where they could face the likes of South Korea or Australia. With Zaccheroni having just taken over, it's more a case of watching with interest than any real expectation. They do have the pressure associated with being one of the favourites, though.
Their, they announced their arrival as a more mature outfit than the one that had previously failed to get beyond the group stages at a World Cup away from home.
Wins against Argentina, Paraguay and a draw with South Korea in Seoul in the build-up to the Asian Cup are encouraging but Qatar will be a real test for Zaccheroni.
How They Qualified
Without much difficulty they emerged as winners of Group A, losing just one game away against Bahrain. Japan twice thrashed Hong Kong (6-0 and 4-0 in back-to-back meetings), confirming their place at the tournament with a game to spare. Shinji Okazaki was his side's top scorer during qualifying with six goals, as they plundered in 17 in six matches and conceded just four times.
Coach & Tactics
Though Takeshi Okada's leadership bore fruit in South Africa, the Japanese Football Association decided a new man was needed to take the country to the next level. After a delay in announcing a successor, Zaccheroni arrived but not exactly to open arms amongst supporters and the media. In fact, the 1-0 win over Argentina wasn't in itself enough to appease critics, who called for a more offensive display. The former AC Milan boss has drilled his new outfit in defence, so it remains to be seen whether they'll be able to take an expansive game to Qatar.
Star Player
Shinji Kagawa has burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga with his goals for Borussia Dortmund and is the new hope for Japan. Missing from the campaign in South Africa, he has wonderful skill and finishing ability.It's incredible to think that the youngster was playing in the Japanese second tier just last season and at 21 years-old much more can be expected from this prodigy as his career develops.
His star is matched only by Keisuke Honda, the CSKA Moscow midfielder who was one of the standout players in South Africa.
Fans' Expectations
With three Asian Cup titles already to their name there isn't a desperation for a tournament victory but a semi final exit in 2007 was a bitter pill to swallow. There will be understanding if Zaccheroni is unable to lead his side to victory but a semi final appearance is the minimum expectation.
Goal.com Prediction
On paper they are probably the strongest team at the tournament, boasting a number of European stars who are in excellent form domestically. Facing Saudi Arabia in the group stages will be a stern test, though they should make light work of Jordan and Syria. The quarter finals won't be as difficult as the semi finals, where they could face the likes of South Korea or Australia. With Zaccheroni having just taken over, it's more a case of watching with interest than any real expectation. They do have the pressure associated with being one of the favourites, though.
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shinji Okazaki
Striker Japan |
6 | 0 |
|
Shinji Kagawa
Midfielder Japan |
2 | 0 |
|
Mike Havenaar
Striker Japan |
2 | 0 |
|
Yuichi Komano
Defender Japan |
1 | 0 |
|
Yasuyuki Konno
Defender Japan |
1 | 0 |
