I present to you, the
2006 World Cup Japan National Football Squad:
Goalkeepers
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, Jubilo Iwata
Seigo Narazaki, Nagoya Grampus
Yoichi Doi, FC Tokyo
Defenders
Makoto Tanaka, Jubilo Iwata
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, Gamba Osaka
Akira Kaji, Gamba Osaka
Alex Santos, Urawa Reds
Keisuke Tsuboi, Urawa Reds
Yuji Nakazawa, Yokohama F Marinos
Yuuichi Komano, Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Koji Nakata, FC Basel
Midfielders
Takashi Fukunishi, Jubilo Iwata
Mitsuo Ogasawara, Kashima Antlers
Shinji Ono, Urawa Reds
Hidetoshi Nakata, Bolton
Shunsuke Nakamura, Celtic
Junichi Inamoto, West Bromwich
Yasuhito Endo, Gamba Osaka
Forwards
Keiji Tamada, Nagoya Grampus
Atsushi Yanagisawa, Kashima Antlers
Masashi Oguro, Grenoble
Naohiro Takahara, (Hamburg SV, but just tranfered to Frankfurt)
Seiichiro Maki, Jef United Chiba
For the most part, this list was the predicted outcome by almost every football fan.
However, as usual in every World Cup announcement, there was one completely unexpected selection: that of Seiichiro Maki over Tatsuhiko Kubo for the forward position. As you know, Kubo is the top scorer in Zico Japan, and that happening despite the fact that he played in relatively fewer games than many of the other forwards. He is considered, in his top form, the best that Japan has to offer in terms of dynamism in front of goal, body balance, and is considered one of few true "strikers". However, after his injury in 2004, that occured just before the Asia Cup, he has been unable to free himself of chronic fitness/injury issues. Though Zico has been most persistent in calling him up to the squad, it was apparent in last week's Kirin Cup matches (he did not play against Bulgaria and looked far from fighting form against Scotland) that it would be unlikely that he could get himself up to true form within the next few weeks. The chonic nature of his mulitple woes made it unlikely that he would make a miraculous full recovery in time for WC play. For this reason, Zico explained, Kubo was taken off the list. Kubo was gracious about his obvious disappointment at not being selected; he kept his comments characteristically brief, but faced the media with a good attitude.
In Kubo's place, Maki got the call-up. And deservedly. Maki has been well aware that his chances at the World Cup squad were close to nil. Despite that, he showed an inspiring spirit of dogged persistence during his appearances this year. He will undoubtedly make life a lot easier for whomever he partners with up front should he get the opportunity to play. Maki's top item on his to-do list is to establish relationships with the players who play in Europe, as he has yet to stand on the same pitch with the likes of Hide, Taka and Shunsuke.
Aside from the Kubo surprise, it was also noted that Daisuke Matsui was missing from the list. Personally, you all know that I was really gunning for Matsui. Zico explained that in his mind the choice was between lefty speed dribbler forward Tamada or dribbling magic-maker Matsui. He opted for Tamada. It was extremely telling that Zico decided on placing 5 forwards in his list at the expense of a creative midfielder. Both Matsui and Tamada can show with their dribbling, but given the overall contribution/experience factor in terms of the National team, and perhaps also the expectation that we needed more options in the forwards group, he went with Tamada.
I was wondering if Yanagisawa would be cut from the squad because he is still not ready to play after the broken bone in his foot that occured a month ago. There was a Nabisco game played yesterday, and Yanagisawa was not even on the bench. I am uncertain how fast Yanagisawa will make his way back to game-readiness.
The team will gather on May 17 for the domestic training camp; on the 26th, they will arrive in Germany. After that, they will have two friendlies against Malta and Germany.
Then, it's game time.
I will return on Wednesday with a discussion of all the players, some interesting stories, and how we hope for them to contribute to the team's success. I would also like to quickly review the history of Japan at the WC, to give you an idea of the general progression of the nature and growth of the Japanese national team over the past 3 WCs to set the backdrop.
I will then try and provide you all with as much chatter, photos, etc, about how the team is doing in practice and in the two remaining friendlies.
I am filled with excitement and pride for these men. So many stories converging at this one point in time. No looking back now.
2006 World Cup Japan National Football Squad:
Goalkeepers
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, Jubilo Iwata
Seigo Narazaki, Nagoya Grampus
Yoichi Doi, FC Tokyo
Defenders
Makoto Tanaka, Jubilo Iwata
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, Gamba Osaka
Akira Kaji, Gamba Osaka
Alex Santos, Urawa Reds
Keisuke Tsuboi, Urawa Reds
Yuji Nakazawa, Yokohama F Marinos
Yuuichi Komano, Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Koji Nakata, FC Basel
Midfielders
Takashi Fukunishi, Jubilo Iwata
Mitsuo Ogasawara, Kashima Antlers
Shinji Ono, Urawa Reds
Hidetoshi Nakata, Bolton
Shunsuke Nakamura, Celtic
Junichi Inamoto, West Bromwich
Yasuhito Endo, Gamba Osaka
Forwards
Keiji Tamada, Nagoya Grampus
Atsushi Yanagisawa, Kashima Antlers
Masashi Oguro, Grenoble
Naohiro Takahara, (Hamburg SV, but just tranfered to Frankfurt)
Seiichiro Maki, Jef United Chiba
For the most part, this list was the predicted outcome by almost every football fan.
However, as usual in every World Cup announcement, there was one completely unexpected selection: that of Seiichiro Maki over Tatsuhiko Kubo for the forward position. As you know, Kubo is the top scorer in Zico Japan, and that happening despite the fact that he played in relatively fewer games than many of the other forwards. He is considered, in his top form, the best that Japan has to offer in terms of dynamism in front of goal, body balance, and is considered one of few true "strikers". However, after his injury in 2004, that occured just before the Asia Cup, he has been unable to free himself of chronic fitness/injury issues. Though Zico has been most persistent in calling him up to the squad, it was apparent in last week's Kirin Cup matches (he did not play against Bulgaria and looked far from fighting form against Scotland) that it would be unlikely that he could get himself up to true form within the next few weeks. The chonic nature of his mulitple woes made it unlikely that he would make a miraculous full recovery in time for WC play. For this reason, Zico explained, Kubo was taken off the list. Kubo was gracious about his obvious disappointment at not being selected; he kept his comments characteristically brief, but faced the media with a good attitude.
In Kubo's place, Maki got the call-up. And deservedly. Maki has been well aware that his chances at the World Cup squad were close to nil. Despite that, he showed an inspiring spirit of dogged persistence during his appearances this year. He will undoubtedly make life a lot easier for whomever he partners with up front should he get the opportunity to play. Maki's top item on his to-do list is to establish relationships with the players who play in Europe, as he has yet to stand on the same pitch with the likes of Hide, Taka and Shunsuke.
Aside from the Kubo surprise, it was also noted that Daisuke Matsui was missing from the list. Personally, you all know that I was really gunning for Matsui. Zico explained that in his mind the choice was between lefty speed dribbler forward Tamada or dribbling magic-maker Matsui. He opted for Tamada. It was extremely telling that Zico decided on placing 5 forwards in his list at the expense of a creative midfielder. Both Matsui and Tamada can show with their dribbling, but given the overall contribution/experience factor in terms of the National team, and perhaps also the expectation that we needed more options in the forwards group, he went with Tamada.
I was wondering if Yanagisawa would be cut from the squad because he is still not ready to play after the broken bone in his foot that occured a month ago. There was a Nabisco game played yesterday, and Yanagisawa was not even on the bench. I am uncertain how fast Yanagisawa will make his way back to game-readiness.
The team will gather on May 17 for the domestic training camp; on the 26th, they will arrive in Germany. After that, they will have two friendlies against Malta and Germany.
Then, it's game time.
I will return on Wednesday with a discussion of all the players, some interesting stories, and how we hope for them to contribute to the team's success. I would also like to quickly review the history of Japan at the WC, to give you an idea of the general progression of the nature and growth of the Japanese national team over the past 3 WCs to set the backdrop.
I will then try and provide you all with as much chatter, photos, etc, about how the team is doing in practice and in the two remaining friendlies.
I am filled with excitement and pride for these men. So many stories converging at this one point in time. No looking back now.
Comment On This Entry
I was rather surprised that Matsui was omitted from the squad as well. Honestly, I thought he had been one of this year's biggest revelations in French football.
Then again, Shunsuke missed out on the squad in 2002 and look where he is now.
Then again, Shunsuke missed out on the squad in 2002 and look where he is now.
i think Zico made a big mistake putting fellows like Inamoto or Tamada on the squad..
what about very creative players like Matsui or Abe? I heared Suzuki is doing very well in Serbia and Montenegro, wich i think is a hard league. Hirayama also deserved a chance considering his stature and good heading ability..
KRHimself: very interesting idea you have. It would be great seeing Matsui play at a team like Deportivo( where the technical ability is very praised) and then be the captain of the national team...
what about very creative players like Matsui or Abe? I heared Suzuki is doing very well in Serbia and Montenegro, wich i think is a hard league. Hirayama also deserved a chance considering his stature and good heading ability..
KRHimself: very interesting idea you have. It would be great seeing Matsui play at a team like Deportivo( where the technical ability is very praised) and then be the captain of the national team...
Great to see you back! The view from Australia is one of optimism, and who can blame them it has been 30 years.
Generally, I don't think the media here have a clue on this Japanese squad and have written them off as the bottom of the group. They sight Shinji Ono (?) and Nakata as a target men. But Shunsuke gets only a brief mention which surprises the crap out of me since I don't think I've seen a more exciting player as him.
The media also sight Japan's goal scoring problems, but if you ask me, if Japan can't score against the now old and slow (if not that, inexperienced) Australian defence, then Japan don't deserve to go through!
Breciano thinks complancency from other nations will get them through the group stages.
I too was speachless when I didn't see Matsui's name. Has there been any comments from him recently about his omission?
How about Maki?!?!?! I wanna know more about him! Can he score? Looking forward in hearing your round up!
Generally, I don't think the media here have a clue on this Japanese squad and have written them off as the bottom of the group. They sight Shinji Ono (?) and Nakata as a target men. But Shunsuke gets only a brief mention which surprises the crap out of me since I don't think I've seen a more exciting player as him.
The media also sight Japan's goal scoring problems, but if you ask me, if Japan can't score against the now old and slow (if not that, inexperienced) Australian defence, then Japan don't deserve to go through!
Breciano thinks complancency from other nations will get them through the group stages.
I too was speachless when I didn't see Matsui's name. Has there been any comments from him recently about his omission?
How about Maki?!?!?! I wanna know more about him! Can he score? Looking forward in hearing your round up!
2006/05/16(火) 20:25:57 | URL | Nori #-[ Edit]
Hey Nori,
I'm from Sydney but Im a supporter of the JNT, especially Nakamura...I too am shocked at the lack of respect that these division 6 wannabe euro team (I was referring to the Australian team) is giving Japan. You would think they would be given Australias entrance into the Asia Cup in the not too distant future.
All they talk about is Aus V Brazil...maybe we should remind them that they qualified via Penalty shoot out which could have gone either way.
I'm from Sydney but Im a supporter of the JNT, especially Nakamura...I too am shocked at the lack of respect that these division 6 wannabe euro team (I was referring to the Australian team) is giving Japan. You would think they would be given Australias entrance into the Asia Cup in the not too distant future.
All they talk about is Aus V Brazil...maybe we should remind them that they qualified via Penalty shoot out which could have gone either way.
it's wrong to say australia is a weak team. that's what uruguay thought the first time they played australia..
they can be very dangerous to any team(except brazil...) with their key players bresciano,viduka,kewell and not to forget to mention goalie schwarzer who is a brick wall in his outposts...
they can be very dangerous to any team(except brazil...) with their key players bresciano,viduka,kewell and not to forget to mention goalie schwarzer who is a brick wall in his outposts...
i'm a big fan of MAKI!
彼が代表に選ばれる前からですがね…。
でも、久保は6月まで様子を見て欲しかったです。本人もそのつもりだったと思います。今回の規定では直前に駄目だったら補欠呼べるじゃないですか！久保とジーコには絶対にミスコミュニケーションがあると思います。日本人にすら無口で理解しにくい久保をブラジル人のジーコがわかると思えない。だいたい「もうメンバーは貢献度でだいたい決まっている」というジーコの最近のメッセージが実は久保に向けてのことではなかった、というのが大方の人の誤解の始まりなんでしょうね。久保の会見は見ていてつらかったし、この先が心配です。
巻に対してもこの無責任なメディアの熱狂がこわいです…。まだ何もしてないのにヒーロー扱い。ヒディングも彼のこと知らないみたいなのでなるべく英語での情報は秘密にしておきたいんですけど・・・（苦笑）。どっかのスポーツ紙にのってたのは「久保を非常に警戒し高原、中田浩二は低評価、米国戦をスタッフが視察したのに得点した巻はノーマークだった」ってことでした。以前は寿人もほめてたかな？
熱くなってしまってすみません。でもやりきれないです…。
彼が代表に選ばれる前からですがね…。
でも、久保は6月まで様子を見て欲しかったです。本人もそのつもりだったと思います。今回の規定では直前に駄目だったら補欠呼べるじゃないですか！久保とジーコには絶対にミスコミュニケーションがあると思います。日本人にすら無口で理解しにくい久保をブラジル人のジーコがわかると思えない。だいたい「もうメンバーは貢献度でだいたい決まっている」というジーコの最近のメッセージが実は久保に向けてのことではなかった、というのが大方の人の誤解の始まりなんでしょうね。久保の会見は見ていてつらかったし、この先が心配です。
巻に対してもこの無責任なメディアの熱狂がこわいです…。まだ何もしてないのにヒーロー扱い。ヒディングも彼のこと知らないみたいなのでなるべく英語での情報は秘密にしておきたいんですけど・・・（苦笑）。どっかのスポーツ紙にのってたのは「久保を非常に警戒し高原、中田浩二は低評価、米国戦をスタッフが視察したのに得点した巻はノーマークだった」ってことでした。以前は寿人もほめてたかな？
熱くなってしまってすみません。でもやりきれないです…。
2006/05/18(木) 01:11:46 | URL | スイカ #-[ Edit]
Hi everyone, thanks for the great comments.
As for player selection, the fact that Zico stuck to his core group (aside from Maki) was predicted, and I think overall people were resigned to the fact even though they were hoping for other players to get in.
As for Matsui, all I can hope for is that in 4 years he will be an undeniable leader in the national team. He would have been an incredible ingredient, but Zico opted for Tamada -- perhaps to keep continuity. Though Zico said he had to choose between Matsui and Tamada, many people had been under the impression that Matsui and Endo were competing for the last spot. And if that was the secondary option, Endo won out because he had the defensive ability as well as the free kicks. I have yet to see any public comment made by Matsui regarding the roster announcement; nothing on his website either.
It has been overlooked also in the excitement of the announcement, that defender Moniwa was cut from the squad. Instead Tanaka and Tsuboi were kept. And what is worrying is that the Japanese defenders look awfully small. Having Moniwa in there would have been reassuring. The general wisdom these days is to have height and power in the defense line, and Japan often invites a few chuckles from opponents and third parties for being so small. Perhaps in the end Zico felt that a few centimeters difference was not as important as Tsuboi's experience and speed.
As for Abe, he is a definite leader for the next generation. No question. The task for the last Olympics group (like Abe, Matsui, Okubo, Hirayama, Moniwa, Konno, etc) is to get as much international experience as they can, and/or also climb to leader positions within their clubs. Of course we don't know what kind of manager the JFA will sign on after Zico, but these guys are sure to play a part in that upcoming saga.
As for Suzuki, he has not been playing at Red Star, and now with Maki (who is in many ways similar to Suzuki) the choice between the two would have ended with Maki selected. I personally root for Suzuki to find success in whatever package, but for this squad I think it was a difficult situation.
As for Maki, I know he is the least familiar to you all, so I will try and dig up as much info and video as possible to give you an idea of what kind of person and player he is.
It was interesting to hear about Australia's reaction to Japan. I never expected any country to be overly excited about playing against us. I actually am looking forward to the game against Australia most because I think it will be a roller coaster game. It will set the pace for the rest of the group games.
As for player selection, the fact that Zico stuck to his core group (aside from Maki) was predicted, and I think overall people were resigned to the fact even though they were hoping for other players to get in.
As for Matsui, all I can hope for is that in 4 years he will be an undeniable leader in the national team. He would have been an incredible ingredient, but Zico opted for Tamada -- perhaps to keep continuity. Though Zico said he had to choose between Matsui and Tamada, many people had been under the impression that Matsui and Endo were competing for the last spot. And if that was the secondary option, Endo won out because he had the defensive ability as well as the free kicks. I have yet to see any public comment made by Matsui regarding the roster announcement; nothing on his website either.
It has been overlooked also in the excitement of the announcement, that defender Moniwa was cut from the squad. Instead Tanaka and Tsuboi were kept. And what is worrying is that the Japanese defenders look awfully small. Having Moniwa in there would have been reassuring. The general wisdom these days is to have height and power in the defense line, and Japan often invites a few chuckles from opponents and third parties for being so small. Perhaps in the end Zico felt that a few centimeters difference was not as important as Tsuboi's experience and speed.
As for Abe, he is a definite leader for the next generation. No question. The task for the last Olympics group (like Abe, Matsui, Okubo, Hirayama, Moniwa, Konno, etc) is to get as much international experience as they can, and/or also climb to leader positions within their clubs. Of course we don't know what kind of manager the JFA will sign on after Zico, but these guys are sure to play a part in that upcoming saga.
As for Suzuki, he has not been playing at Red Star, and now with Maki (who is in many ways similar to Suzuki) the choice between the two would have ended with Maki selected. I personally root for Suzuki to find success in whatever package, but for this squad I think it was a difficult situation.
As for Maki, I know he is the least familiar to you all, so I will try and dig up as much info and video as possible to give you an idea of what kind of person and player he is.
It was interesting to hear about Australia's reaction to Japan. I never expected any country to be overly excited about playing against us. I actually am looking forward to the game against Australia most because I think it will be a roller coaster game. It will set the pace for the rest of the group games.
2006/05/18(木) 01:55:52 | URL | depflight #-[ Edit]
ヤッホー！スイカさん。ATSUI書き込みありがとうございます。
久保に関しては、どうでしょうね。私はキリン杯の久保を見て、なんと言うか、落選より故障しぱなっしのこの１−２年が気の毒でした。どっちにしても久保は欲しかったわぁ。
巻は本当に時々とんでもない事するから、いくら彼の紙上の情報が漏れても関係ないような気がします。この間の試合の直接フリーキックの時飛んでキーパーを驚かしてたように。パスを頭でしたり。好きですね、彼のそのきれいじゃないところ。この代表はとても「きれい」なので、巻みたいのがいると別だけれど同じく良い意味での「意外」をチームに持ってくるんではないか −
なんかあっと言う間にあと数週間。「待ちきれない」のと「もったいぶりたい」のと、ワクワクしてたまらないですね。
スイカさんはバーチャルスタジアムかスポーツ・バーとかで観る予定ですか？それともご自宅で？私はどっちにしようかな？
久保に関しては、どうでしょうね。私はキリン杯の久保を見て、なんと言うか、落選より故障しぱなっしのこの１−２年が気の毒でした。どっちにしても久保は欲しかったわぁ。
巻は本当に時々とんでもない事するから、いくら彼の紙上の情報が漏れても関係ないような気がします。この間の試合の直接フリーキックの時飛んでキーパーを驚かしてたように。パスを頭でしたり。好きですね、彼のそのきれいじゃないところ。この代表はとても「きれい」なので、巻みたいのがいると別だけれど同じく良い意味での「意外」をチームに持ってくるんではないか −
なんかあっと言う間にあと数週間。「待ちきれない」のと「もったいぶりたい」のと、ワクワクしてたまらないですね。
スイカさんはバーチャルスタジアムかスポーツ・バーとかで観る予定ですか？それともご自宅で？私はどっちにしようかな？
2006/05/18(木) 02:37:15 | URL | depflight #-[ Edit]
Otto mate,
Firstly dont tell me if its wrong or right to say my own opinions...you have yours so to each his own!
Secondly, Viduka has never lived up to the Aus NT expectations...remember he missed his penanlty kick and basically Aloisi saved his butt...that pretty much goes for the other key members ofthe Aus team except for schwarzer who i must agree with you is a brick wall.
Anyway my point was the Aus NT's (correctly speaking it is the Aus media) attitude towards the Japan NT team they pretty much disregard them...whether the Aus Nt team is weak or not thats for another discussion.
Firstly dont tell me if its wrong or right to say my own opinions...you have yours so to each his own!
Secondly, Viduka has never lived up to the Aus NT expectations...remember he missed his penanlty kick and basically Aloisi saved his butt...that pretty much goes for the other key members ofthe Aus team except for schwarzer who i must agree with you is a brick wall.
Anyway my point was the Aus NT's (correctly speaking it is the Aus media) attitude towards the Japan NT team they pretty much disregard them...whether the Aus Nt team is weak or not thats for another discussion.
Here was a year, and the ship-yard, I admit, are unattainable in their bows.
The Dawn took in a due line with them all above want.
Is it rising or falling water, do not expect, in a doubting sort of established character.
These communications made, Hetty!
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