World Cup 2006 Preview - Japan
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World Cup 2006 Preview: Japan
Overview
Japan's performance in the upcoming World Cup is challenging to predict. Their past feats include a victory over European champions Greece and a credible draw with Brazil in the Confederations Cup. However, their qualification journey for the World Cup was less impressive.
Odds
- Outright Victory: 300/1
- Group F Winners: 16/1
Japan's performance during the qualifiers raised some concerns. Despite losing only once in 12 matches (to Iran), the team struggled to score more than two goals against weaker opponents like a depleted Indian team. They also required last-minute victories against Oman and Korea DPR.
Public discontent led to calls for manager Zico's dismissal. However, their successful qualification has temporarily secured his position. Japan reached the second round in the 2002 World Cup, but repeating that success this year seems unlikely.
Past Performance
In the 2002 World Cup, Japan managed to defeat Russia but narrowly lost to Turkey in the second round. Notably, then-coach Phillipe Troussier controversially played striker Akinori Nishizawa on a whim for his birthday. Such missteps would be surprising under Zico’s management.
Key Players
Japan's midfield, featuring UK-based players Hidetoshi Nakata (Bolton Wanderers), Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic), Junichi Inamoto (West Bromwich Albion), and potentially Shinji Ono (Feyenoord), is its strongest asset. However, the rest of the team lacks international prowess.
Strikers Naohiro Takahara and Atushi Yanagisawa don’t get regular playtime with their clubs, Hamburg and Messina, respectively. Most of the squad consists of J-League players, with only four from the Confederations Cup squad playing abroad.
The defensive duo of Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka) and Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama) showed resilience during qualifiers, which saw only five goals conceded. Yet, this defense will face tougher competition from Brazil, Croatia, and Australia. Goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, despite his shaky start with Portsmouth, brings experience with over 80 national caps.
Expectations
After recent successes, expectations are high for Japan. Despite strong midfield talent, the team might struggle to replicate their 2002 group stage victory and are doubtful to progress to the knockout rounds.
Betting Advice
Given the unsteady qualification and lack of striking power, Japan doesn’t seem like a safe bet to advance from the group stage. Betting against them might be more profitable.
Recommendation:
- Back Croatia to beat Japan at 4/5 odds.
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