The World Cup

With the World Cup starting this week, I'd thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and highlight Japan's chances at this year's tournament.

Coached by former Brazil legend, Zico, Japan have struggled in recent months to score goals. This is such as problem that it even led to Zico commenting that his team was "constipated". The joys of meaning getting lost in translation!

Anyway, Japan have a tough group. The much fancied Brazil, the tricky tie with Croatia and my tip as World Cup Dark horses (and Japan's opening tie), Australia. A bloody difficult set of matches for the Japanese.

Japan do have quality in their team especially in midfield. Hidetoshi Nakata (of Bolton), Junichi Inamoto (of West Brom) and Shunske Nakamura (of Celtic) all will compete in the middle of the park.

Up front, the Japanese have talent in Yanagisawa and Takehara (who plays his football in Germany)...Go Samurai Blue!

NOTE

JAPAN 1 AUSTRALIA 3

Poor finishing and an inspired set of subsitutions by Aussie Coach Gus Hiddink saw the Socceroos overcome the Japanese. Japan were 1 up with 83 minutes to go thanks to Nakamura, but two goals from Tim Cahill and one from John Alosi saw a bad start for Zicos men.