Star man: Urawa Reds' Shinji Ono may be the best all-round player and Bolton's Hidetoshi Nakata remains the star attraction, but it could be the turn of Celtic's Shunsuke Nakamura to take centre stage if he can maintain the impressive form he has shown during his first season in Scottish football.
Asian champions Japan came to Germany in 2005 and impressed many with their showing in the Confederations Cup. Now Brazilian legend Zico hopes to coach them to further heights at the World Cup.
Japan was the first country to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, excluding Germany, who are automatically in as hosts. The team didn't lose a single point in the preliminary qualifiers and ended its campaign ahead of the rest of Group B.
Hidetoshi Nakata, Shunsuke Nakamura and Shinji Ono, all of whom earn their salary in European leagues, make up Japan's quick and aggressive midfield and are the men who will get the closest marks when they take the field.
Asian champions Japan came to Germany in 2005 and impressed many with their showing in the Confederations Cup. Now Brazilian legend Zico hopes to coach them to further heights at the World Cup.
Japan was the first country to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, excluding Germany, who are automatically in as hosts. The team didn't lose a single point in the preliminary qualifiers and ended its campaign ahead of the rest of Group B.
