THE Blue Samurai can expect a gruelling encounter when they face-off against the Socceroos next month in the final phase of 2014 World Cup qualifiers, according to legendary Japanese midfielder Shinji Ono.
Former Japan international, Ono, now lines up alongside Socceroo striker Alex Brosque for J-League outfit Shimizu S-Pulse and is predicting a typically hard fought contest in Brisbane. The 32-year-old still carries the scars from Japan’s extraordinary 2006 World Cup clash with the Socceroos.
“My personal memory of 2006 in the World Cup in Germany, I was sitting on the bench at the start,” Ono told the FFA website.
“I didn’t start in the starting eleven and after 56 minutes it was 1-0 for Japan, after I came in and we lost 3-1, that’s not my favourite memory.”
This time around the Socceroos will have to deal with the considerable threat of Borussia Dortmund striker, Shinji Kagawa. Manchester United recently had a bid for the 23-year-old wonderkid rejected but he remains just one of the obstacles standing in way of a Socceroos’ Victory.
“I think all people know Shinji Kagawa, he plays with Dortmund, he’s very, very dangerous for the opposing team,” Ono said.
“Also (Yasuhito) Endo, the defensive midfielder and (Ryoichi) Maeda, striker, he plays with Jubilo Iwata, he’s a dangerous player.”
Ono enjoys a keen insight into Australian football having played alongside two current Socceroos and played in Sydney for former club Urawa Reds in the AFC Champions League.
“I know Kewell, my favourite player is Kewell and also Brett Emerton, I played with him at Feyenoord for a few years,” he said.
“(Alex Brosque) is very kind and a gentleman. Also, he wants to do 100% of what he can do on the pitch and off the pitch also, he’s a nice man.”
As for the outcome of next month’s clash between the two Asian football powerhouses Ono said: “It’s a difficult question - of course I have to say Japan win the game. But Japan people know the Australian quality, I think it will be a difficult game.”
The Socceroos begin their final run to Brazil with an away match against Oman on Friday, 8 June. Then it’s back to Suncorp Stadium where the Aussies will host Japan on Tuesday, 12 June. Kick off is at 8pm.
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