Stars from the rising sun

THE HISTORY

WC Participation: 2 (1998, 2002)
WC best showing: Last 16 (2002)
Continental Title: Asian Cup 1992, 2000, 2004

THE STARS

Naohiro Takahara (Striker/25 yrs)
• Having blossomed under Philippe Troussier, the former Jubilo Iwata player earned his first big break when he was signed on by Hamburg in 2002-03. J-League Player of the Year and top goalscorer in 2002, he helped new coach Zico log his first home win with two goals in a friendly against Nigeria
USP: Excellent finishing skills with either foot and deft headers

Shunsuke Nakamura (Midfielder/26)
• Once known as the Golden Boy of Japanese football, the Yokohama Marinos medio moved to Serie A side Reggina. In 2002-03 he played 31 matches and scored 7 goals, despite omission from Philippe Troussier’s World Cup squad.
USP: Magic feet with skills very few possess

Shinji Ono (Midfielder/27)
• Regarded by many as Japan’s best-ever midfielder. A veteran in his country’s colours, is now a regular with Feyenoord Rotterdam
USP: Can play anywhere as creative midfielder: in centre and on the wings

THE COACH

Zico (Artur Antunes Coimbra)
• Probably the most iconic player of the 1980s, Zico took over from Philippe Troussier after 2002 World Cup.
First tangible result: Japan’s 3-1 defeat of China in China to win Asian Cup earlier this year

ROAD TO WC 2006

Japan 1 vs Oman 0 (Saitama)
Singapore 1 vs Japan 2 (Singapore)
Japan 7 vs India 0 (Saitama)

— (Micky Aigner)