Japan

Twelve years after hosting World Cup, Japan are stronger than ever and want to make history with at least advancing into the quarter finals.

Being better than sum of parts

Japan are the Asian Cup holders (a competition which they won more times than any other country) and thus were able to play in the Confederations Cup last year. They’ve played generally good football but lost three times to stronger opponents: Brazil, Italy and Mexico. Either way, they’ve returned home with high hopes and expectations for this year’s World Cup.

They were always a team that was smaller than sum of its parts. With the likes of Hidetoshi Nakata or Shunsuke Nakamura, you could always expect something more. Things changed four years ago, when they’ve reached knockout stages four years ago in South Africa. Many Japanese experts view this achievement as the biggest one in Japanese football history.

Bundesliga quality

Now Alberto Zaccheroni’s team wants to take it to the next level and play among the eight best teams in the world. They’ll try to use their biggest strength – attacking midfielders. Shinji Kagawa might have had an average season last year followed by an awful one at Manchester United but it was mainly down to him being played out of position. The Red Devils, culturally a crossing club, wanted to utilise him as a winger which made him look a bit one-dimensional although there are many things he can do well – creating chances, dribbling, keeping possession.

Japan has another great playmaker in Keisuke Honda, who moved to AC Milan in January but although he did play in the beginning, he struggled to find his form in Italy. But he showed in Russia already just what he is capable of and should create a lot of chances for his teammates in Brazil.

Bundesliga is a great place for Japanese players – Kagawa made his name there and now Shinji Okazaki is becoming something of a cult hero for Mainz fans. Prolific striker at his best (at worst – misses sitter after sitter) is equally technically and physically adept to play against top defenders.

Japan’s Asian Cup victory happened mostly due to offensive pedigree of their full backs – Yuto Nagatomo and Atsuto Uchida. The former is an allrounder of Inter Milan, able to cover both left and right flank. The latter had problems with injuries in Schalke this season but should play in the World Cup.

Because of them, Zaccheroni can change formations between games. Although his main one is a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, he can also change it to 3-4-3 which can surprise many opponents. And his players are experienced enough to utilise it properly, having played it during the Confederations Cup.

Playing style

Japan are primarily a technical, possession based team but they can also be very flexible in their approach. They are capable of playing a high pressing game but can also drop deep and use their counter attacks.

Coach

Alberto Zaccheroni as a Italian has tactical flexibility in his veins. He is a shrewd tactician and will try to surprise any opponent. His players are clever enough to feel comfortable in any approach.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

14th June, Recife: vs. Ivory Coast (1-2)

19th June, Natal: vs. Greece (1-0)

24th June, Cuiaba: vs. Colombia (0-2)

Japan has 45% chance of qualifying from the group stage which is lower than Ivory Coast’s and Colombia’s. Japan’s crucial game is the opening one against Ivory Coast. If they lose it, their chances will diminish significantly.