Japan strikers need to show killer instinct in front of goal

With the majority of Japan’s strikers firing blanks a month before the finals kick off, coach Zico needs to find some inspiration for his goal shy strikers as the prepares to face holder Brazil, Croatia and Australia in the first round in Germany.

Seiichiro Maki looks to be the only striker in form at the moment with six goals for JEF United Chiba and every Japan football pundit believes the former ice hockey player deserves a place in Japan’s final World Cup squad.

However, we will have to wait until tomorrow to see if Zico names Maki to his 23-man squad on May 15. For one his other striking options all look to be out of form. The likes of European-based Naohiro Takahara, Takayuki Suzuki and Masashi Oguro are out of form, and Atsushi Yanagisawa and Tatsuhiko Kubo are unlikely to last 90 minutes in any given game because of injury worries.

I personally think that Maki deserves a chance to be there (in Germany) as he is scoring a lot of goals and is in very good shape.”

Japan is up against some strong teams in their group but I think Zico’s men have every chance to advance to the knockout stage in Germany along with group favourites Brazil.

Professional soccer in Japan doesn’t have a long history and they have a lot of things to learn. They are too naive sometimes. But technically they are very good and getting stronger and have a very good level.

I am eager to see who will be included in Zico’s squad.