japan

Okada: We Will Attack

Okada: We Will Attack

JAPAN coach Takeshi Okada is quietly confident his side can return to winning ways in their opening game against Cameroon tomorrow. 14 Jun 2010
Competition for Places Healthy - Hasebe

Competition for Places Healthy - Hasebe

JAPAN captain Makoto Hasebe has backed Shinji Okazaki to bounce back from the disappointment should he miss out on a starting berth for their World Cup Group E opener on Monday. 12 Jun 2010
Hasebe Upbeat Despite Scoreless Sequence

Hasebe Upbeat Despite Scoreless Sequence

MAKOTO Hasebe backed Japan to claim a first ever World Cup win on foreign soil in their Group E opener against Cameroon on Monday despite their goalscoring woes in the build-up to the tournament. 11 Jun 2010
Japan Goalscoring Woe Continues

Japan Goalscoring Woe Continues

JAPAN rounded off their preparations for their World Cup opener against Cameroon on Monday with a goalless draw with Zimbabwe in a hastily arranged training game today. 11 Jun 2010
Japan Arrange Mozambique Friendly

Japan Arrange Mozambique Friendly

JAPAN will play Mozambique in a hastily-arranged final pre-World Cup friendly tomorrow as Takeshi Okada's side seek a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Monday's opener against Cameroon. 9 Jun 2010
Hasebe Worry for Japan

Hasebe Worry for Japan

JAPAN'S preparations for their World Cup opener against Cameroon next Monday have been dealt a fresh blow after Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe was taken to hospital after picking up an injury during training. 8 Jun 2010
Honda: Japan Have 'Nothing to Lose'

Honda: Japan Have 'Nothing to Lose'

RUSSIA-BASED playmaker Keisuke Honda has hit back at Japan's critics following four consecutive pre-World Cup defeats, insisting the Blue Samurai "have nothing to lose" in South Africa. 8 Jun 2010
Zico Sees Cameroon As Key for Japan

Zico Sees Cameroon As Key for Japan

BRAZIL legend Zico believes the outcome of Japan's opening game against Cameroon at the World Cup will prove pivotal in determining how well they do in South Africa. 7 Jun 2010
Konno Set to Miss Japan Opener

Konno Set to Miss Japan Opener

DEFENDER Yasuyuki Konno is set to miss Japan's World Cup opener against Cameroon after suffering a knee injury in yesterday's 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast. 5 Jun 2010
Ideal Build-Up for Japan's Okada

Ideal Build-Up for Japan's Okada

JAPAN coach Takeshi Okada believes tomorrow's contest with the Ivory Coast will closely replicate his side's opening World Cup clash against Cameroon on June 14. 3 Jun 2010
Japan Squad Given Chance to Shine

Japan Squad Given Chance to Shine

JAPAN coach Takeshi Okada will look to use every one of his 23-man World Cup squad in tomorrow's extended friendly against the Ivory Coast in Sion. 3 Jun 2010
Japan Include Europe-Based Quartet

Japan Include Europe-Based Quartet

UNDER-PRESSURE Japan coach Takeshi Okada took few risks in naming his country's 23-man World Cup squad. 1 Jun 2010
Japan Training Pic Special

Japan Training Pic Special

Our Asian rivals put the heartbreak of their double own goal defeat against England at the weekend behind them as they returned to the training field at their pre-World Cup camp in Switzerland. Pics by Getty Images. 1 Jun 2010
Lampard Keen to Keep Spot-Kick Duty

Lampard Keen to Keep Spot-Kick Duty

England midfielder Frank Lampard was keen to keep hold of penalty-taking duties after missing from the spot in today's World Cup warm-up friendly win over Japan in Graz. 31 May 2010
England v Japan Pic Special

England v Japan Pic Special

England scraped past Japan thanks to two own goals in an utterly unconvincing performance by the wannabe World Cup contenders. Japan looked stronger - especially in the first half - despite losing 2-1. Pics by Getty Images. 31 May 2010
Owen Cole The Star For England

Owen Cole The Star For England

FABIO Capello will spend an uncomfortable 48 hours deciding who to trust with England's World Cup fate after a thoroughly unconvincing 2-1 victory against Japan in Graz. 31 May 2010