Home based players out to prove they are worth a place in World cup squad

As Japan prepare to host the Kirin Cup, Japanese home based players will be trying their hardest to secure the final places in Zico’s squad for the World Cup.

European based players such as Shunsuke Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata are guaranteed important roles, but only the home based players will be involved in the Kirin Cup against Scotland and Bulgaria, so as to give them the last chance to impress coach Zico before he announces his squad for the World Cup.

Shinji Ono, the former Feyenoord player back in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds, is expected to form a creative and dynamic midfield partnership with Takashi Fukunishi of Jubilo Iwata. Both players have been linked with Celtic this season in the wake of Nakamura’s success.

Yuji Nakazawa, the Yokohama F. Marinos centre-back, should anchor defence with his club-mate and Zico favourite, Tatsuhiko Kubo, at the apex of their attack. Mitsuo Ogasawara of Kashima Antlers is another popular J-League player and one used frequently as understudy to Nakata.

The J-league has its fair share of foreigners notably Brazilian and their influence, combined with Zico’s management of the national side, has stamped Japan’s development with a patient and technical brand of football.

Scotland and Bulgaria will arrive in Japan just as Asia’s best-known domestic competition shuts down mid-season for the World Cup. The fruits of the nation’s renewed focus on youth will be apparent when the Bulgarians and Scots face a Japan side consisting entirely of J-League players.

Japan play Bulgaria tomorrow in Osaka and then face Scotland at the 63,700-capacity Saitama Stadium 2002.

You can expect both matches to be sold out.