japan

Manager: Takeshi Okada
Captain: Yuji Nakazawa
FIFA Ranking: 45
World Cup appearances: 3 – 1998, 2002, 2006
Best World Cup: Last Sixteen – 2002

Japan Team Profile

Japan have been a force to be reckoned with in Asia over the past decade of so. They’ve won three AFC Asian Cup’s with their most recent success coming in 2004. However, age is catching up with some of their more recognised players and the Japanese squad will be somewhat of an unknown quantity with a mix of youth and experience in the squad.

Japan came through qualification fairly comfortably in the end although manager Takeshi Okada will be disappointed with the number of draws his side had to endure on home soil. All three of their draws in qualification came in Japan but that will be seen as a minor technicality now that they’ve qualified for the world cup in South Africa, while playing on opposition soil might actually play into their hands if their qualifying record is anything to go by. Three of their four victory’s in qualification came away from home so the pressure of entertaining the large number of home supporters won’t be a burden in South Africa.

Manager

Takeshi Okada is a former Japan international himself so it was only natural for him that he would one day take over the reigns on the international front. He played 24 times for his country scoring just the one goal between 1980-1985. This will be Okada’s second stint as Japan manager after leading them to the 1998 World Cup in France where they finished bottom of group H without a single point to their name.

Takeshi Okada‘s second appointment as manager came via a bit of misfortune as former manager Ivica Osim suffered a stroke which led to those in charge having to find a suitable replacement. That replacement was indeed Takeshi Okada and after taking over in December 2007, he has led Japan to their fourth World Cup.

Japan Key Players

The key player for Japan will be former Glasgow Rangers ace, now Espanyol star, Shunsuke Nakamura. He has bags of European experience from his time with Rangers, enjoying several seasons in the Champions League and pitting his wits against some of Europe’s finest. Unlike most in the Japan squad, Nakamura will know exactly what to expect from some of their opponents in South Africa thanks to some valuable Champions League ties.

Keisuke Honda, who in 2009 signed for Russian giants CSKA Moscow, is another player with talent, a star in the making if you’re to believe the hype. Again, we seen a lot of Honda during last seasons Champions League campaign, of which Honda played a big role in getting CSKA into the quarter-finals against all odds. In fairness, though, he didn’t really do it for us, although he’s energetic and ambitious so it’s easy to see why the Japanese expect big things from him.

A player we know nothing at all about, but looks an integral part of the Japanese set up, is Yuri Nakazawa, a player with 102 international caps to his name and a player who participated in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cup for Japan. It goes without saying that his experience in the heart of the Japan defence will aid them well over the summer in what will be testing surroundings for Japan.

Japan Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 1
Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-3-1
Goals Scored: 11
Goals Conceded: 6

World Cup Potential: 1/5

The Japanese have never really had a team to be reckoned with, at least not outside of the Asian continent. In Asia though, Japan have the been the leading player, winning three of the previous five editions of the Asian Championships, but have seemingly failed to produce the standard needed against teams from all across the globe. Their squad isn’t really recognisable to us, with many applying their trade over in Japan in a J league which is steadily growing in terms of global following and the fan base back home in Japan. However, we seen quite a bit of them during qualifying and they were nothing special. What was extremely concerning was their lack of physical strength, so they may struggle to hold their own in South Africa against some physically tough and well equipped nations.

Japan World Cup Betting Odds

Japan to win the World Cup:         250/1 – Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Japan were 400/1 

Official Japan World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus)

Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)

Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)

Defenders

Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F. Marinos)

Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Nagoya Grampus)

Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata)

Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers)

Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo)

Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo)

Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers)

Midfielders

Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama F. Marinos)

Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale)

Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)

Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)

Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble)

Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds)

Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg)

Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow)

Strikers

Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus)

Yoshito Okubo (Vissel Kobe)

Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)

Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse)

Takayuki Morimoto (Catania)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Japan Fixtures – Group E

29/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: Japan – Paraguay: 3-5 pen.

World Cup 2010 Group E - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Japan v Paraguay Betting Odds

Kick Off: 15:00 GMT

Japan to win: 11/4 at Ladbrokes
Draw: 9/4 at SkyBet
Paraguay to win: 5/4 at Blue Square
 

Japan

Credit where it is due really for the Asian nation. Their coach Takeshi Okada stated before the tournament that he expected nothing less than a berth in the semi finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. While the rest of the world would not have paid much heed to his words, other to mock them, Japan have stood up to be noticed. They saved their best performance for the final World Cup group match against Denmark, in which they looked a relaxed side, even though the pressure was on them to avoid defeat. They opened up a comfortable 2-0 lead, with star man Keisuke Honda putting on a master class in midfield, including banging home the best free kick of the tournament so far from 30 yards. That was his second goal of the campaign, and along with Yasuhito Endo in the midfield,  made relatively light work of the Danish, and booked themselves a second round tie against Paraguay. Neither Paraguay nor Japan have been into the quarter final stages of the World Cup, and so history will be made come the final whistle of this match. Japan finished in second place behind Holland in their group, and will be pretty pleased with the solid performances they have put him, and their final group victory will have given them a great deal of confidence going into their second round match.

The strength of the Japanese all comes from midfield. That is where all of their influence and inspiration comes from. While it is their main strength, it can also be their weakness, if the their opponents decide to flood the midfield and suffocate their main avenue of attack. The Blue Samurai were not expected to make it into the second round of the tournament this year, being behind Denmark and Cameroon in the group betting. But they have proved their doubters wrong, joining South Korea in the second round from Asia. Japan are organised at the back, and they can fall into defensive mode quite easily, as they look to endure games. But, as shown against Denmark, when they have the time and space to put their foot on the ball, then it is a different matter altogether. They can be quite potent going forward, but again it will all stem from their key midfielders. Cut off their supply lines and they can be beaten. Paraguay will be well aware of this. Japan are industrious as expected, and can play at a pace which will trouble some of the more experienced teams in the competition. Their defensive blue wall has served them well, keeping the attacking prowess of Holland at bay for example in their second group fixture. Japan, on their day, can be a real handful, and while the golden generation of players may have passed, there is a lot of optimism that their rebuilding is heading in the right direction.

Paraguay

The South Americans were fancied as a dark horse coming into the tournament, in World Cup betting they were not really fancied to top their group. But that is what they did, qualifying in first place ahead of Slovakia, which meant that the defending World Champions Italy were going home early. Paraguay have a lot to offer at the World Cup, and their group matches have shown enough for them to build upon. They were always a defensively weak side, but coach Gerardo Martino has appeared to have sorted out those particular problems, and they looked a tight unit. They have conceded just one goal, and that coming from a goalkeeping howler, which gave Italy their equaliser in their opening fixture of South Africa 2010. With a solid win over Slovakia, Paraguay played their way into pole position, but they will have been scratching their heads as to why they could not break down New Zealand after dominating the game. Ultimately the 0-0 draw did not harm them, but they will know that they need to put away their clear cut chances when it comes to the knockout stages. After a successful qualification campaign from South America, Paraguay, with their new balance and poise, will be fully confident of progressing through to the quarter finals of the World Cup for the first time.

Watching Paraguay, they seem to have shifted to more of a defensive side than one would have expected, especially with the wealth of talent they have in their forward ranks. Perhaps they know themselves that South Africa 2010 represents their best chance of getting deep into the competition, and they are playing with a sensible air of caution as opposed to being all gung ho about their attacking qualities. While they have strung together some great moves, and have carved defences apart, they have not scored as many goals as they would have expected, just three in their three games. They really do have the talent and flair to punish teams, and Japan could be in the firing line for that. What Paraguay do well, is move the ball around the pitch very well as a unit. They look very comfortable on the ball, and in keeping possession, and while you sense an urgency in them to get forward, they have looked quite patient and conservative. The one thing about Paraguay which intrigues punters the most, is that they really have not been challenged that hard, and they have really not bee tested. They have plenty of power to tap into when they do need to throw a little more caution to the wind and push forward, and that should be the difference between the two sides here.

Japan v Paraguay Betting Tip: Paraguay to win by 1 goal 11/4 at Bet365
 

Current Paraguay V Japan Odds:

Denmark v Japan Betting Odds

Denmark to win: 5/4 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at Ladbrokes
Japan to win: 11/4 at Ladbrokes

Denmark

Denmark will know that they do not have the upper hand going into their final match of Group E, as they take on Japan. The two teams are level on three points in the group, but the Asian nation have the advantage with a better goal difference. This means that Morten Olsen’s Denmark have to go out and push for the win. With Cameroon already having been eliminated from the group, there is a three way race for supremacy in the group. With Holland fully expected to seal top spot with at least a point against Cameroon, so it all leaves Japan and Denmark to battle it out for second place. If the Danes do get through to the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, then they will have done in the hard way. Denmark looked a little lost in their opening fixture, as they could not find any rhythm or transition to get forward against Holland, going on to lose the match 2-0. They then fell behind to Cameroon and things were looking bleak, until a resurgence sparked by Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl who got the goals in a 2-1 victory. They now have a cup final of their own against Japan, as the Europeans have to go all out for a win. Denmark are not a side which are really associated with being great exponents of the attacking game, but they do have some potency up front, and plenty of options to chose from. The big hope for them is the speed and movement of Bendtner, who is the spark of inspiration that could just get them though. It is not likely to an expansive game by either team, but Denmark may just have the width and individual quality in the likes of Gronkjaer going forward, and the impressive Daniel Agger at the back. Denmark will be expected just to edge this one, but they will be made to work hard in breaking down an organised Japanese side, but this is one game where quick long balls may pay off for the Danes.

Denmark World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: W1, D0, L1
GF/GA: 2/3
Cards: Y3, R0
Most Shots: Dennis Rommedahl, 1
Top Scorer: Dennis Rommedahl, Nicklas Bendtner, 1
Shots/On Goal: 23/9
Fouls Committed: 32
Total Passes: 818
Pass Completion: 70%

Japan

Japan are expecting a tough physical battle against Denmark, and they will go into the match as underdogs, even though they have the slight advantage of only needing a draw to get through to the second round. There was nothing much expected of the Blue Samurai as they have undergone a transitional period and have had to do a lot of rebuilding. The Japanese will back themselves to put out another defensive display which will be sturdy enough to repel the dangers from Denmark. But Japan coach Takeshi Okada is worried about the physical and height advantage which the Danes will have over his side. The key to this match could all come down to the precision of delivery at set pieces, areas which the Danish will have a strong advantage. So, for Japan to battle through this, Okada is looking for something a bit special from his players, something that goes beyond the formation and tactics. He is demanding his players stay focused with a strong mentality through the match, and not to be overwhelmed. Japan can take a lot of confidence from their two performances so far. They looked lively in their victory over Cameroon, and they battled very hard in their match against group favourites Holland, leaving only 1-0 when many expected more. It is a big match for both sides, and it may not prove to be the prettiest football, but the excitement levels should go all the way.

Japan World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: W1, D0, L0
GF/GA: 1/1
Cards: Y1, R0
Most Shots: Keisuke Honda, 4
Top Scorer: Keisuke Honda, 1
Shots/On Goal: 15/8
Fouls Committed: 31
Total Passes: 790
Pass Completion: 62%

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: This is a close match to call, as the Japanese have been surprisingly enterprising in their matches, more so than expected. The Danes have looked decent in flashes, and completely out of the picture in the next. They threw caution to the wind in the second half against Cameroon and looked dangerous going forward, but horribly exposed at the back. There may be a lot of caution executed here by both sides, with a draw looking very likely, but if you are looking for a winner then Denmark should edge it. So for a handicap bet, Japan in the positive to hold out, should pay off.
Denmark -0.5 for 5/4 at Paddy Power

 

Current Denmark V Japan Odds:

Japan V Cameroon

Kick-off: Monday, 14th June – 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Fee State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)
Group E

Japan

In 2002, on home soil, Japan recorded a personal best when they topped a remarkably easy Group H above Belgium, Russia and Tunisia. They were later sent packing by the first quality opposition they face, which just so happened to be an average Turkey, so to say Japan had it easy back then would be an understatement. Yet eight years later, in a country where the conditions probably won’t suit them, the minimum their coach expects of the team is to progress to the semi-finals. Cue simultaneous laughter.

Just weeks before one of the greatest and unqieu World Cup’s we are ever about to see, Takeshi Okada, the Japan coach, sent out a warning to his players by saying they must at least make the semi-finals. A team which has been woeful since the turn of the year and Okada reckons the semi-finals is a realistic aim, FIFA should start drug-testing the managers. We will stick our necks on the line and say Japan won’t even escape Group E, one of the more lightweight groups in the tournament.

Their results before the finals were pathetic, their displays have been dreadful while there hasn’t been a single bit of enthusiasm from the Japan camp during their warm up games. We’re struggling to find a legitimate reason as to how Japan will even win a game in South Africa let alone a couple which will see them progress into the last-four. Utterly ridiculous if you ask me and the worst thing of all is now the players will be under immense pressure to at least break out of Group E just so Okada’s bold targets don’t come across as a man deluded and off his head. And considering this Japan team has been under a fair amount of strain all year long and faltered in each and every one of their recent internationals, it doesn’t look particularly good for the crazy coach.

The Japanese arrive in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with four successive defeats lurking over them following losses to Ivory Coast, Serbia, England and, worst of all, South Korea. If ever there was a country on its knees it was this Japan team. To make matters worse, the only goal they score in four World Cup warm up games came via a defender against England, while they also drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe mere days before the finals kicked into life. It would take a miraculous turn around were Japan to turn up on Monday and walk away with all the spoils.  

Cameroon

Cameroon are one of five African nations vying to become the first team from the continent to win the FIFA World Cup, although it would be some achievement even if one of them was to make the semi-finals. So do Cameroon fit the bill? Can they beat the big guns on their day? Under the management of Paul Le Guen, Cameroon supporters may well think so after the former PSG and Lyon manager rescued the Indomitable Lions from the pits of despair in qualifying. Can he continue his miracle act by taking Cameroon deep into the tournament?

Paul Le Guen’s tenure at the Cameroon helm didn’t begin until July 2009, as Cameroon were seemingly a defeat away from seeing their dreams of playing in a sixth World Cup pass them by. Le Guen’s intervention proved a master-stroke however, with Cameroon winning all four of their remaining qualifiers under Le Guen and eventually finished qualifying four points clear of their nearest rival. Le Guen clearly inspired the Cameroon team and got them immediately back to winning ways, as well as restoring their winning mentality.

The Indomitable Lions weren’t exactly playing breathtaking football in the run up to South Africa, with two draws with Georgia and Slovakia followed by back-to-back defeats by Portugal and Serbia, so there is a lot of work for Le Guen to be getting on with; lifting morale for starters. Samuel Eto recently came in for some criticism from a Cameroon legend, Roger Milla, but perhaps Eto needed some home truths in order for him to raise his game and show more commitment when playing for his country. The latter was certainly true as Eto was sent off in his one and only international appearance before the finals, so perhaps Milla has given Eto the kick up the backside he needed.

We think it’s safe to say that Cameroon were nothing more than average during their World Cup warm games, barely getting out of gear one in most cases. But that really shouldn’t be the case now that the finals have finally come around and we’re expecting some hungry and determined Indomitable Lions to take to the field on Monday. If they show enough grit and determination through the team, as well as some clinical play up front, Cameroon really ought to win this encounter.

Match Odds:

Japan – 3.75 VCbet
Draw – 3.40 Coral
Cameroon – 2.15 BetFred

Match Verdict: Cameroon to WIN – 2.15 BetFred

Japan aren’t one of our favourite teams to watch, their form beforehand was terrible and the pressure piled onto the players from their manager is enormous. The Japanese team as a whole have come under immense criticism back home, especially after their 2-0 defeat on home soil to South Korea weeks before the finals, and Japan haven’t recovered since. They are severely low on confidence and while Cameroon appear the easiest game of the three for them, it will take some motivational pre-match team talk from Takeshi Okada to restore some self-belief into the Japan team.

While Cameroon haven’t been firing on all cylinders during their World Cup warm up games, they were impressive in the latter stages of qualifying and if Paul Le Guen can get his players to forget about their results before the tournament and concentrate on how well they played as a team during qualifying, Cameroon should win this. The pace of Pierre Webo and Samuel Eto in behind the Japan defence will cause them all sorts of problems, while Alex Song in midfield should provide adequate cover for the defence, a defence which will be marshalled be the vastly experienced Rigobert Song, who may be getting on but has tonnes of useful information and advice stored upstairs.

SoccerBetting Value Bet: Pierre Webo FGS – 7.50 SkyBet

England

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

England 3-1 Mexico
England 2-1 Japan

It’s been unconvincing from Fabio Capello’s England up till this point, although the fact they’ve nothced up back-to-back wins before the start of the finals without playing to their full potential has to be a big plus. England found themselves outplayed for the most part against Mexico at Wembley, but the Three Lions took their chances when they came in a clinical manner, whilst relying on some keeping heroics from Robert Green. Many were expecting England to push on from their reasonable opening victory by beating Japan comfortable in Austria. With Japan taking the lead after just six minute, it was patently obvious that another shaky England performance was on the cards, and so it prove to be the case. However, if their fortunate win over a competent Mexico was an indication that the footballing Gods were looking over Capello’s men, their fortuitous turnaround against the Japanese was, with two second half own goals enough to seal a second quick-fire international win.

Without watching either game, you could be forgiven for thinking England head into South Africa with form. Their performances, though, have ranged from lacklustre and lethargic to adequate, with England never getting past 3rd gear in either. One way you could look at it, surely their display can only get better. But there were plenty of mistakes and flaws that their World Cup opponents will look to capitalize on.

The big news, however, was that defensive rock and captain Rio Ferdinand would miss the finals after suffering ligament damage in his knee during training.  As a result, Michael Dawson was recalled and it now leaves Fabio Capello pondering over whether to start with Jamie Carragher or Ledley King in Ferdinand centre-half void. It would appear some of the momentum and confidence gained from two successive friendly wins has now been lost, at such a crucial time as well.

France

Pre-World Friendly Form: LDW

France 2-1 Costa Rica
Tunisia 1-1 France
China 1-0 France

As per usual, France will arrive in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with little in terms of positive aurora and some winning momentum. Their early victory over Costa Rica, one which was largely undeserved, came when Valbuena scored late on to seal an almost trademark style France win. It was a shaky display all-round from Domenech’s men, with their persistence eventually seeing them run through the finish line first. However, instead of building upon their jammy win, France went in the other direction when drawing 1-1 in Tunisia. It was yet another worrying display from the French team, conceding another early goal before the predictable comeback. This time however, there wasn’t to be a winning finale.

Last and certainly not least, France completed and unwanted set of results, tasting every after-match feeling when losing to China, a team ranked 84 in the FIFA Rankings, thus ensuring the France squad tasted one of each during their World Cup preparations: 1 win, 1 draw and 1 defeat. It was a match France were very much in control in, but a distinct lack of cutting edge aided by some bad luck meant France would arrive in South Africa with an embarrassing loss hanging over them.

Germany

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Hungary 0-3 Germany
Germany 3-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina

News that Germany’s influential captain, Michael Ballack, would miss the finals through an ankle injury really did rock the camp and seen the country’s chances of lifting the FIFA World Cup aloft in South Africa decrease significantly as a direct result. If the German squad was reeling over the loss of their captain they weren’t showing it, as in their first warm up game they thrashed an ever-improving Hungary 3-0. The win came in impressive fashion, both in regards to the scoreline and their performance, and it may well have punters re-evaluating Germany’s chances.

Despite a shaky start to their final warm up game against a tricky Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany ran out comfortable winners and finished the game with style and in an impressive fashion when winning 3-1 thanks to second half strikes from captain Phillip Lahm and Bastien Schweinstieger. The latter’s brace came via the penalty spot although both were put away with aplomb in the absence of Michael Ballack. It was a case of two halfs, with Germany a tad one-paced in the opening 45 minutes but completely dominant in the second, pinning Bosnia back for the entire length of the second period, with two second-half substitutes in particular impressive for Germany in Marko Marin and Cacua.

Ghana

Pre-World Friendly Form: WL

Holland 4-1 Ghana
Ghana 1-0 Latvia

‘The Black Stars’ were given a Dutch spanking in their opening warm up encounter ahead of the finals in Rotterdam, Gyan grabbed Ghana’s one and only goal of the game in a heavy 4-1 defeat. Coach Milovan Rajevac received crushing news when combative midfielder Michael Essien was ruled out of the finals, and Essien’s absence against Holland, a team with real quality, was evident. There were gaping gaps in the centre of the park, they struggled to retain possession and there was a distinct lack of presence and leadership. It was certainly a worrying display from Ghana, and from an African nation where some were touting as serious players this summer, one of the better African nations to challenge for the title itself. Perhaps that is no longer the case without their talisman.

Ghana left it late in their final international before the World Cup, narrowly recording a win over European’s Latvia via a strike from Quincey Owusu-Abeyie in the 88th minute. While not entirely convincing, the win did at least restore some confidence and self-belief that might have been lost following their Holland drubbing days earlier.

Greece

Pre-World Friendly Form:

Greece 2-2 North Korea
Greece 0-2 Paraguay

Led by one of the most respected managers on the international scene, Otto Rehhagel, Greece will have it all to do in South Africa if their display against Korea DPR and Paraguay are anything to go on. Greece were strong favourites to win their opening friendly, a game against the largely unknown North Koreans. When Greece scored just minutes into the game everyone assumed a rout was on the cards, but stunning equaliser sparked the Asian’s into life and thereafter Greece struggled to keep up with their energetic opponents. Rehhagel’s men were actually losing at one stage and had to dig deep just to pick up a draw and save face. The weren’t so lucky against Paraguay though, with another lacklustre performance by the Greek’s enabling the South American’s to stroll towards victory. Sloppy at the back, a severe lack of creativity and guile in the midfield and a couple of forlorn strikers are what Greece have shown us all so far.

Honduras

Pre-World Friendly Form: LDD

Belarus 2-2 Honduras
Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras
Romania 3-0 Honduras

The Hondurans were a surprise inclusion into this years event and needed a big helping hand from the United States in order to qualify. After that slice of good fortune, Honduras will feel the God’s have blessed them with this golden opportunity and that they must now seize their opportunity. Two draws against less than average opponents haven’t helped their cause nor has it boosted the confidence of the players. Their first came against Belarus, who in fairness do play some decent football. The second stalemate came against Azerbaijan in what can only be described as a shocker of a result as far as Honduras are concerned. Reinauldo Reuda’s men face the likes of Spain and Chile in Group H at South Africa, and if they can’t put Azerbaijan to bed then what chance do they have against nations with genuine quality.

As if a run of two consecutive draws against teams deemed as minnows within their respective zones, Honduras succumbed to defeat in their final game before facing Chile on June 16th by a Romanian side which failed to perform throughout qualifying for South Africa. To make matters worse, combative midfielder Wilson Palacios was stretched off and remains a doubt for South Africa.

Italy

Pre-World Friendly Form: DL

Mexico 2-1 Italy
Switzerland 1-1 Italy

The defending champions have been hugely disappointing during their preparations for South Africa, with a defeat to Mexico followed by an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Switzerland lamenting the concerns of a country eager to defend their title. In both encounters, Marcello Lippi fielded a strong team and the fact that one of the favourites to win this years edition can’t beat two of the outsiders, with Switzerland in particular almost completely ruled out of the outright equation, it does make you think that Italy might not even put up a fight for their crown in South Africa. The Italians are obviously frustrated with their preparations as in both encounters they received several yellow cards. Concerning to say the least for the usual consistent Italians.

Japan

Pre-World Friendly Form: LLL

Japan 0-2 South Korea
England 2-1 Japan
Japan 0- Ivory Coast

Japan’s World Cup preparations have been tortuous to say the least, with Takeshi Okada, the Japan coach which targeted a semi-final appearance in South Africa, having to watch on as Japan record two quick defeats. The first loss was the more damaging as it came against one of their fiercest Asian rivals in a 2-0 defeat by South Korea. To add insult to injury, and to increase the tension and pressure already rapidly building on the Japan camp, the defeat came on home soil in front of their hostile fans.

Their second came in Austria when they took on one of the competition favourites, England. Japan were big odds to spring an upset before kick-off, and with 6 minutes gone and Japan 1-0 up through defender Tulio, a huge turn up for the books was well and truly on. However, while their English opponents at the time were enjoying some good fortune of late, Japan weren’t and their bad luck was compounded with two second half own goals, resulting in a 2-1 defeat for Japan. The positive, however, was firstly Japan taking the lead and maintaining their advantage for over an hour of play, while the second being the fact they more than held their own in the first hour or so, thus proving in a way that Okada’s bold South Africa objective is at least achievable even if it’s extremely unlikely.

In Japan’s third and final international before the do battle in Group E, the Japanese, after previously putting in a valiant display against England, somewhat rolled over against the Ivory Coast. A 2-0 loss to one of the more fancied African nations competing in this month’s finals left Japan with a hat-trick of defeats ahead of a tournament the coach expects to reach the semi-finals. At this rate they’ll be lucky to avoid the wooden spoon in their group.

11:20 GMT – Japan V Ivory Coast (LIVE on Bet365)

17:00 GMT – France V China

19:45 GMT – Slovenia V New Zealand (LIVE on Bet365)

Goals: Tulio (Own Goal), Y. Nakawaza (Own Goal)(England); Tulio (Japan)

World-Cup-Betting Man of the Match: Aaron Lennon

What with England despatching off a dangerous Mexico side earlier in the week, and Japan slumping to a bitter defeat to fellow Asian’s South Korea, everyone was expecting a more accomplished display from the Three Lions and Japan to crumble under some English authorative pressure. How far from the case it was, as the Samurai Blue provided a miserable looking Fabio Capello on the touchline with a much sterner test that many anticipated before kick-off in Austria.

From an England perspective, the game didn’t get off to a too bad a start, with Capello’s men comfortable in possession and going about their business in a calm and collective manner. However, with seven minutes gone and the Japanese preparing to take their first meaningful set-piece of the game, Brazilian born defender Tulio strolled forward into the England penalty area and walloped in a shock opener. Thereafter, England appeared shell-shocked, drained of any self-belief or inner confidence. Passes were going astray left, right and centre – Wayne Rooney in particular lacklustre and lazy when in possession – while their forward play was atrocious. Only an Aaron Lennon one-on-one miss was conjured from Capello’s England in the opening 45 minutes in a half which left England fans a tad bemused.

In fairness, Japan were deserving of their lead despite creating little in front of goal after their early strike. Japan coach Takeshi Okada will have been delighted with the way his team approach the game and played through the first period, harassing every single player in a red shirt when they had possession whilst remaining lively and bright in possession. 

With a 45 minute period to forget briefly analysed and put to one side for now, Capello wasted little time going to town on his underachievers at the break when hauling five players off the field and unelashing five fresh faces onto the pitch in a bid to spark some life into his lethargic Lions. Joe Hart replaced David James, Theo Walcott’s disappointing day was summed up when he was replaced by Shaun Wright-Philips, while Steven Gerrard’s introduction in place of Tim Huddlestone was an obvious move and one which evidentially sparked the England team into life for the second period. Jamie Carragher was also brought on for Glen Johnson and a forlorn and seemingly now packing his bags Darren Bent, seen his South Africa tenure swiped from under his feet as Joe Cole replaced him at the break.

The second period, as was to be expected, was better for England, with the tempo much faster and the passing a lot crisper. The introduction of Steven Gerrard proved a master-stroke even if it was a simple and obvious substitution to make, as Gerrard took the game by the scruff of the neck playing deep in centre-midfield; commanding possession whenever possible and shipping the ball to either flank in a precision like fashion. Finally some imagination from an England side which lacked endeavour and creative flair in the first half, and Gerrard’s emergence was amply accompanied by a lively and eager to impress Joe Cole, whose bright runs down the right caused the Japan full-back all sorts of problems. It just so happened to be Joe Cole who was at the centre of England’s leveller, when his marauding run was headed into the Japan goal by Japanese defender Tulio, who had gone from hero to zero with his own goal. England’s winner, something even we were unsure we would say midway through the second half, came via another own goal when veteran defender Yuji Nakawaza sliced home England’s second.

It was yet another game were England didn’t play at all well but managed to ride the storm to record an undeserving victory. It was also the second friendly tester which didn’t provide too many answers to the many questions circulating other than Gareth Barry’s injury is more of a concern than we previously calculated. Gerrard certainly filled his void with flying colours in the second half, but Gerrard in a deeper position nullifies his threat in the final third of the pitch, something Capello is desperate to avoid. Another worry was the formation, as in the first half the 4-4-2 Capello opted for didn’t bare fruit. In fact, England were lifeless, unimaginative and utterly clueless despite having an abundance of pace down the wings and two primarily forward-thinking goal-getters in Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. Joe Cole played off Rooney in the second half and it worked a treat as it enabled Gerrard and Lampard to get on the ball more and dictate play rather than plat the role of spectators. Opportunities were being carved out with more ease and understanding without England really racing through the energy levels a great deal, while Rooney clearly felt more comfortable and confident having a player with flair and that creative spark beside him rather than some lanky giant or bulky Heskey standing over him, slowing him down.

After the game in a post-match interview, Fabio Capello stated that he knew who was in his final 23 although wouldn’t comment on those missing the cut. However, we have a pretty good idea, after watching two two England displays against Mexico and Japan, as to who will miss their flight to South Africa: Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Darren Bent, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock and Theo Walcott.

On June the 1st, Fabio Capello will announce to the world who has made the final 23-man England team and who failed to take their chance when it came. Michael Dawson, Scott Parker and Stephen Warnock can all feel harddone by as neither were given a run-out in either friendly, although Warnock has been suffering with an injury. Walcott, though, while it may seem a surprise cut, was useless in both encounters and his indecision has ultimately made up Capello’s decision to cut him loose, from the squad that is. We could be wrong, we’ll find out though in a couple of days.

Monday 24th May

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Japan 0-2 South Korea
Portugal 0-0 Cap Verde Islands
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
England 3-1 Mexico
Argentina 5-0 Canada

In regards to those heading to South Africa for the World Cup next month; Argentina, Australia, England and Australia all recorded some valuable, morale boosting wins. Whereas Portugal and South Africa could only muster low-scoring draws.

The two early encounters seen Australia secure a last-gasp winner against the Kiwi’s after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 via goals from Dario Vidosic and Brett Holman; Chris Killen scored New Zealand’s opener with just 16 minutes on the clock. A little later and it was the turn of Japan and South Korea, two nations with a fierce Asian rivalry. The Japanese have been disappointing their adoring fans all year long and kept up their miserable trend by losing 2-0 to the Koreans on home soil, with Manchester United#s Ji-Sung Park scoring Korea’s opener while forward Park Chu-Young scored a late penalty to wrap up a relatively straight-forward win over a nation also competing in next months show-piece.

In the evening, kicking off within 15 minutes of one another, South Africa and Portugal were playing out draws would could yet be like a dagger to the pride of both camps in games both country’s will have fancied their chances of winning. The Portuguese, who struggled throughout qualifying for the World Cup and needed a play-off before sealing their qualification, limped to a 0-0 draw against a Cape Verde Islands team ranked 117th in the FIFA Rankings. Bafana Bafana registered another international friendly draw, their fourth in six friendlies, as Bulgaria held Carlos Alberto Parreria’s side to a 1-1 draw, after defender Siyabonga Sangweni sent the home fans into raptures only to see the Bulgarians draw level 12 minutes later after FC Parma’s Valeri Bojinov’s strike.

The two night games seen three World Cup teams in action, as England of Group C took on Mexico of Group A while Argentina arranged one of the more simpler of friendlies against Canada. The battle between England and Mexico was intriguing, with Mexico succumbing to a 3-1 loss despite enjoying large spells of possession and carving out numerous opportunities. Goals from Ledley King, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson were enough for Capello’s Three Lions though, while West Ham’s Guillermo Franco scored Mexico’s only goal of the night at Wembley. Argentina were the last team to conclude Monday’s friendly encounters beating Canada in a resounding fashion. Goals from Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and a brace from Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez was enough to send the Argie’s to an impressive victory over a Canadian side which provided little threat in the final third of the pitch.