Japan's history on the world stage
In 2002, the first ever World Cup was held in Asia, with Japan and South Korea serving as co-hosts. However, while Korea made an impressive run all the way to the semi-finals, their neighbours Japan were not as fortunate. Despite finishing top of their group, the Samurai Blue were promptly dispatched by Turkey during the first knockout stages.
Yet, despite this, Japan has qualified for five straight tournaments (including the one set to take place this summer). Moreover, they have enjoyed a great deal of success in regional competitions, having won the AFC Asian Cup a record-setting four times and finished in second place during the 2001 edition of the Confederations Cup.
In terms of rankings, Japan's placements reflect their dominance in Asia: Alberto Zaccheroni's men are currently ranked second in their confederation, with only Iran ahead of them, and 47th in the world as per FIFA.
Booking their ticket to Brazil
Japan were the first side to secure their spot in Brazil (aside, of course, from the hosts) after passing all the tests their opponents posed to them with mostly flying colours and a record of five wins, two draws, and one solitary loss. Following qualification on June 4, 2013, they went through a bit of a slump, losing all of their three group stage games at the Confederations Cup and enduring a roller-coaster ride over the course of their friendly matches.
A draw against the Netherlands and victory against Belgium will certainly give them confidence, and they are unbeaten in their two friendlies since the start of 2014.
Key personnel
For the Samurai Blue, all eyes will be looking at several players, but the main focus will be 27-year-old Keisuke Honda. The attacking midfielder, who will turn 28 on June 13th, was his team's and is 10th on the all-time scorers' list with 20 goals for his country. After a difficult settling in period at new club Milan, he appears to have slowly started to find his footing but still will be hoping to shake off the rustiness and fitness issues in order to be of any assistance to his side.
Alongside him is Shinji Okazaki, with the Mainz striker being his nation's fourth highest goalscorer with 38 goals to his name, and Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa. Like Honda, Kagawa, who was the first Japanese player to sign with the Red Devils, has endured a disappointing season with his club, but was able to score his side's sole goal against Cyprus in their last friendly match.
Zac's Japan
Zaccheroni will be certainly familiar to Serie A fans as the Italian tactician managed the likes of Udinese, Lazio, Milan, Inter, Torino, and Juventus before leaving club management in favour of international duties in 2010. While he endured overally unfavourable results during his time with various teams, his fortunes have improved considerably since departing his native country.
As a result of securing qualification so early, followed by a flurry of friendlies, he was among the first to publicly name his 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. With Colombia, Ivory Coast and Greece on the horizon, the 2011 Asian Cup winners could face difficulty in getting out of their group and will be counting on their European-based stars to help see them through.
Where to catch them in action
Want to stay on top of all Japan's matches this summer? Visit their match page to find out times and channels for your specific country.
