Preliminary call-up letters sent to 14 players for NZ friendly. Hasebe included but not Uchida. http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20140219-00000159-jij-spo Most likely the list consists of: Kawashima Yoshida, Nagatomo, H. Sakai, G. Sakai Hosogai, Hasebe, Honda, Kagawa, Kiyotake, Kagawa Osako, Okazaki, Inui
Ivica Osim says that Kagawa should tough it out at United. http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2014/02/26/kiji/K20140226007666240.html Man U will eventually need a young, modern playmaker like Kagawa to step up Not playing much is no big deal - just get a few reps in NT matches to retain his identity as a player Going back to Dortmund would be fine as well, but struggling through adversity in Manchester would help him grow http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2014/02/26/kiji/K20140226007666240.html Yoshida's experience in England - even when he was riding the bench - is a great investment not only for himself but also as a pioneer for Japanese defenders. The important thing is to not be afraid of the challenge Honda's ratings in the media fluctuate wildly from match to match, but football professionals are more consistent in their perspective. I (Osim) believe he can be a leader at Milan, and his teammates have probably developed considerable trust in Honda by this point, both on and off the pitch. The fact that Seedorf plays him consistently is a sign of that trust. Okazaki is a true modern striker. His excellent work rate and defensive work make him a nuisance for opponents and make the manager's gameplan easier to formulate. His aggressiveness offsets his lack of size. Hasebe should be fine in the hands of modern medicine. The only peril is that he loses confidence in the meantime. Mental fortitude is key. http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2014/02/26/kiji/K20140226007666390.html Zaccheroni has managed generational turnover well while building a good squad. Japan is not world class yet, but now has a chance against anyone in the world. The World Cup used to be the only interface between Japanese football and the world, but now audiences across Europe witness the quality of Japanese football in their respective leagues, week in and week out. Thanks to them, no one in Europe doubts the quality of Japanese footballers any longer. Japanese players are disciplined and have a strong sense of responsibility. Combined with aggressiveness, work rate, tactical awareness and technique, their quality will continue to attract rising demand in modern football. One should not overlook the importance of improving the quality of the J-League, in order to continue the trend of those currently plying their trade abroad. Forlan should be a good role model as a world class player and high character individual.
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgIeUSV91-FfmCayG4lSBcw/videos?view=0&flow=grid JFA has uploaded various interviews. Sorry, japanese only. They even included Inui hahaha, that's harsh!
Japan turn down request for a friendly from Algeria who face Korea at WC. Algeria unlikely to look for other Asian team— John Duerden (@JohnnyDuerden) March 2, 2014
Finally they had opened a channel on YT where you I'm able to watch materials in some HQ and loads reasonably faster compared to SB TV in here!
'cause all the players involved in those are going to Brazil except him but naopon explained the reason =p
Greece 0 - 2 Korea Republic Hong Myung-Bo: "Japan can beat Greece." http://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/world/news/f-sc-tp3-20140306-1266439.html
Actually Algeria looks like a potential dark horse seeing how they played against Slovenia yesterday. It won't be a bad preparation.
Greece's entire backline yesterday were not their first choice. Sokratis and Padapoulous are really good. Don't underestimate them.
Nah actually Dont count on that. I was not impressed. We played very poorly but it is also at this time of the year when a team just gets together and is out of shape. Later on in June when there are preparations we are generally a lot better So Slovenia aside, looking at Algeria I was really not impressed and dont see them causing much trouble
Slovenia was also missing Nova, no? I don't think Algeria will do much, but at the same time I think people shouldn't put much thought into yesterday's results, as they're just friendlies and often experimenting is done. See Cotre d'Ivoire's match
Defence still is rubbish though. Conceding 2 against NZ is not near good enough. The back 4 need to stand up. sorry for writing the obvious.
Korea NT players' thoughts on Greece http://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/wfootball/2014/03/07/post_511/index3.php Kim Jin-soo: "Greece was a tall team and had some technical players as well, but the taller players tended to be suspect on the ball. They are slow so we had chances to get behind the back line with one-two combinations." Han Kook-young: "Greece was physically powerful and dangerous from set-pieces, creating several opportunities in the 1st half. However, when faced with solid defensive pressing they were useless from the run of play. They are capable, but not that great. Japan will get a result if they play their short passing game. IMO Japan is a tougher opponent."