Japan squad head off to Germany

The Japan squad have jetted off to Germany in preparation for the World Cup.

They were seen off by 300 fans at Narita Airport. The Asian champions are scheduled to arrive at their World Cup base in the former West German capital Bonn on Friday evening local time.

Eleven members of the Japan squad played at the 2002 World Cup which the country co-hosted with South Korea. Japan reached the last 16 under Frenchman Philippe Troussier four years ago.

They will play warm-up friendlies against Germany and Malta before taking on Australia, Crotia and Brazil in the group stages.