Italy: GK : Buffon (Juventus),Marchetti (Lazio), Sirigu (Psg); DF: Abate, De Sciglio (Milan), Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli (Juventus), Maggio (Napoli), Astori (Cagliari); MF: Candreva (Lazio), Cerci (Torino), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Milan), Aquilani (Fiorentina); FW: Balotelli, El Shaarawy (Milan), Gilardino (Bologna), Giovinco (Juventus). Thank god for Japan Giovinco was preferred to Di Natale... lol.
I'm more worried about Mexico. I think we'll play them without being eliminated outright and they'll still screw us over.
I'm very curious to see the formation that Zaccheroni will use against Italy and Brazil. I hope will see Kiyotake, Honda and Kagawa together.
I´ll try to get some cool photos and videos from the last match against Mexico. (looks like they´re having a tough time during their qualifiers)
I think today's lineup is what he considers his best and I tend to agree, if it wasn't for Maeda. And Kiyo wasn't really good against Bulgaria... he was actually worse than Inui =(
I hope that Zac would drop Maeda and Kengo Nakamura for the CC 2013 to make way for newcomers and give them game time. but does it look likely? including Iraq and the EAFF 2013 EAC, that's at least 7 matches, more if Japan progress in CC 2013. great time to bring in young FW, AM, wingers and possible replacement for Endo, who I think is iconic and won't be dropped so easily. Havenaar? He doesn't fit in Japan's style, but a decent alternative.
Well it should be announced in a couple of days, so it's highly unlikely to change. We can pray Maeda gets some doping *ahem*
3 players from that 26 will stay home as said many times before ... if you wanna see new faces, save your hope until after Confed Cup
I don't mind the current squad list, as long as newcomers who are promising gets their chances. I hope Kudo will go with them. from what I'm seeing, he's been great for Kashiwa, 13 goals in all competition, and it's only been half a season. I think Hideto is going because he's been called up several times, right? I want him to replace Endo/ interchange with him between matches. like Hideto against Iraq, Endo - Brazil, Hideto - Italy, Endo - Mexico, or vice versa. same with Hosogai and Hasebe. although if Zac do a mix-and-match, I'd would be okay too. Hideto-Hosogai, Hideto-Hasebe, Endo-Hosogai, Endo-Hideto. but you are right. Against continental champions, Zac would option for regulars. But I really hope he seriously play newcomers after, The EAC, and several matches until Brazil 2014, lots of chances, don't waste it.
Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if all 23 of these guys end up on the final World Cup roster. Oh well.
so, Kudo and Higashi with same experience like others before Zach is cruel! ... if he continues like that new players beeing called in the future will refuse their call-up because they wont see any playtime anyway???
Hey guys, play as Zac now: say the 3 names who deserve to stay home than. You know that Maeda is our starter FW and Nakamura the first sub for Honda than don't say their names. Waiting for your answer.