World Cup country profile: Japan
Japan didn’t qualify for a World Cup until 1998, but since then have been ever-present in the finals, twice reaching the knockout stages. They topped Asian qualifying Group B ahead of Australia to become the first team to reach Brazil, and have been rewarded with a place in the competitive looking Group C alongside Colombia, Ivory Coast and Greece. The Japanese are coached by former AC Milan manager Alberto Zaccheroni who won the Serie A title during his time in charge at the San Siro. The Italian will look to mould the attacking talents of CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda. It’s in the back of the net and it’s Keisuke Honda, of Japan. And Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki who stars in the Bundesliga from Mainz.