SPORTS> Teams
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SPORTS> Teams
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Japan (Group B)
Updated: 2007-07-07 20:14 Much has changed for Japan. Gone is two-time Asian Player of the Year Hidetoshi Nakata, the former Perugia, Roma and Bolton midfielder. He retired after Japan's disappointing showing at the World Cup finals. Brazilian coach Zico has also departed the scene, stepping down from his position at the helm of the team after failing to take the team beyond the group phase in Germany.
In Zico's place has come Ivica Osim, and with the Bosnian has come a new style of management based on a desire to rejuvenate the squad Zico left behind. Osim has put his three years of experience working with J.League side JEF United Chiba to good use and since his arrival players such as Urawa Reds' trio Marcus Tulio Tanaka, Keita Suzuki and Yuki Abe - all either overlooked or peripheral under Zico - have become regulars in the squad. After using Japan-based players to qualify his team for the finals, Osim has gravitated back towards sprinkling several of the nation's overseas-based players within his squad. With a mix of experience, youthful vigour and the tactical acumen of one of the region's most astute coaches, the Japanese are certain to be among the favourites to win the tournament and, in the process, lift a record-breaking fourth AFC Asian Cup. Goalkeepers |
