Japan
Nickname: Samurai Blue / Blue Samurai
New kit for 2010 World cup: clicky
Latest games
0-0 v South Africa, friendly highlights
4-0 v Hong Kong, Asian Cup highlights - including a typical Shunsuke Nakamura free kick. Will always be a danger from set pieces.
Probably the best Asian team, although the inability to get a win against RSA (or Australia in qualifying) must be a concern for them.
They were going to be my second team until the mighty All Whites made it.
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That's a class kit.
You know we belong together...
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Will be supporting Japan, just because I learn Japanese. And I have been to their country and it is very nice.
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Will be supporting Japan, just because I learn Japanese. And I have been to their country and it is very nice.
Hehe good work, similar reasons to me. Starting to learn myself, went to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto) earlier this year which sparked my interest :) That and they play decent football, more attractive than Aus ATM.
Yeah the kit is pretty good, Japan always look pretty classy.
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$83 return tickets to Osaka earlier today. Absolutely raging that I missed them.
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$83 return tickets to Osaka earlier today.� Absolutely raging that I missed them.
Osaka is amazing. You should be raging! Keep on the lookout LG!
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Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
FIFA.com - Managers Quotes
I reckon they'll give it a decent shot. Could've got a much trickier group.aussienixfan2009-12-05 22:42:03
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
FIFA.com - Managers Quotes
Takeshi Okada, Japan coach
Our goal is to reach the last four and we were never going to change that, regardless of results of the draw. We have obviously been drawn in a group that features two European teams and the tasks facing us is clearly not easy. But we have prepared against European teams for years and we want very much to defeat them. So the draw is not too bad for us as it provides with us a chance to fulfil our aim. It is an open group and we must now on focus on preparing for the tournament itself. We have learned about the hurdles we have to overcome, so the next step is to make plans and carry them out.
Our goal is to reach the last four and we were never going to change that, regardless of results of the draw. We have obviously been drawn in a group that features two European teams and the tasks facing us is clearly not easy. But we have prepared against European teams for years and we want very much to defeat them. So the draw is not too bad for us as it provides with us a chance to fulfil our aim. It is an open group and we must now on focus on preparing for the tournament itself. We have learned about the hurdles we have to overcome, so the next step is to make plans and carry them out.
I reckon they'll give it a decent shot. Could've got a much trickier group.aussienixfan2009-12-05 22:42:03
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Tough group for the Japanese. Could easily end up losing all three.
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Could do... But I'd actually back them against Denmark. Japan could beat Netherlands 1-0, or lose 5-0.
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Can't see them beating Denmark. Probably come third. Will be interesting watching them vs Cameroon.
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Can't see them beating Denmark.� Probably come third.� Will be interesting watching them vs Cameroon.
I'd say if Japan have a chance of points, it'll be against Denmark.
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Japan play what is possibly asia's most disappointing team, China, today. link.
Their squad for the SE Asian cup finals is all J League players (another link). They also play HK on the 11th and the big match v South Korea on the 14th.aussienixfan2010-02-06 19:32:05
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Japan drew with China - Japan were unlucky when a low driven shot thundered off the post, but were also lucky to have a late China pen saved to end the game 0-0. A brief look on Footytube turned up no highlights, I streamed the last part of the game.
A loss to China would've been terrible, but apparently the Blue Samurai were booed off the pitch anyway.
Goal.com report/summary
JFS chief urges fans to boo their hearts out
Next game vs HK on the 11th should be a walkover, but using previous two results (0-0 v Venezuela, China) as a benchmark, South Korea will be trouble.
Edit: Highlights in Japanese here, although the biggest highlight is probably Japan's kit tbh.aussienixfan2010-02-08 20:18:05
A loss to China would've been terrible, but apparently the Blue Samurai were booed off the pitch anyway.
Goal.com report/summary
JFS chief urges fans to boo their hearts out
Next game vs HK on the 11th should be a walkover, but using previous two results (0-0 v Venezuela, China) as a benchmark, South Korea will be trouble.
Edit: Highlights in Japanese here, although the biggest highlight is probably Japan's kit tbh.aussienixfan2010-02-08 20:18:05
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Japan beat Hong Kong 3-0.
Highlights.
There'll be alot of feeling in the South Korea v Japan match now after China defeated South Korea 3-0 (!!) it must be seen as a good time to beat them good and proper.
In other news, looks like S Nakamura is heading back to the J League to guarantee a starting place in preparation for the World Cup. As the article notes his time in Spain has been far from ideal.
http://the-afc.com/en/member-association-news/east-asia-news/27003-nakamura-set-for-japan-moveaussienixfan2010-02-13 18:51:37
Highlights.
There'll be alot of feeling in the South Korea v Japan match now after China defeated South Korea 3-0 (!!) it must be seen as a good time to beat them good and proper.
In other news, looks like S Nakamura is heading back to the J League to guarantee a starting place in preparation for the World Cup. As the article notes his time in Spain has been far from ideal.
http://the-afc.com/en/member-association-news/east-asia-news/27003-nakamura-set-for-japan-moveaussienixfan2010-02-13 18:51:37
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Japan lost 1-3 to South Korea, meaning Japan came third in the SE Asian Championship (China came first :S!)
Match Report - Goal.com
Highlights - YouTube
Okada still thinks they're heading for the last four:
Their next game is against Bahrain, you might have heard of them? :)aussienixfan2010-02-15 18:00:27
Match Report - Goal.com
Highlights - YouTube
Okada still thinks they're heading for the last four:
"I have no intention of changing our goal," Okada said according to The Daily Yomiuri.
"I don't think it's putting the players or our staff under unnecessary pressure. All we can do is keep working at it.”
- Source: Goal.com
"I don't think it's putting the players or our staff under unnecessary pressure. All we can do is keep working at it.”
Their next game is against Bahrain, you might have heard of them? :)aussienixfan2010-02-15 18:00:27
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In other news, looks like S Nakamura is heading back to the J League to guarantee a starting place in preparation for the World Cup.[/QUOTE]Why he came back, as if it weren't obvious.
He was always likely to come back to Marinos, even if they are average.
Anyway, Bahrain next starting an hour after Aus v Indo game.
[quote=Goal.com Match Preview]Japan
The big name players are all likely to play so expect to see the in-form Keisuke Honda start and other European players such as Makoto Hasebe and Takayuki Morimoto should also take the pitch alongside Nakamura. Kengo Nakamura is out with a broken jaw and Yosh*to Okubu is also injured.
...
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Japan – Keisuke Honda
Honda impressed in his Champions League debut for CSKA Moscow last week and was one of the best players in action as the competition started its knockout phase. He is not yet an established fixture in the national team but all that is set to change. The former VVV Venlo star can provide the spark that Samurai Blue have been missing of late.
He was always likely to come back to Marinos, even if they are average.
Anyway, Bahrain next starting an hour after Aus v Indo game.
[quote=Goal.com Match Preview]Japan
The big name players are all likely to play so expect to see the in-form Keisuke Honda start and other European players such as Makoto Hasebe and Takayuki Morimoto should also take the pitch alongside Nakamura. Kengo Nakamura is out with a broken jaw and Yosh*to Okubu is also injured.
...
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Japan – Keisuke Honda
Honda impressed in his Champions League debut for CSKA Moscow last week and was one of the best players in action as the competition started its knockout phase. He is not yet an established fixture in the national team but all that is set to change. The former VVV Venlo star can provide the spark that Samurai Blue have been missing of late.
Source
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i a bit of a japanese fan myself
i even live in japan and am infact moving to OSAKA 
on the first of next month
on the first of next monthcant wait
i think Japan have a decent chance
i was watching something on japanese tv about them adn i think they have decent results against these teams.
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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i a bit of a japanese fan myself
Awesome, I enjoyed hanging out in a sega arcade in dotonbori haha. Although, you did just miss Gamba v Cerezo. Do you follow J-League at all?
i even live in japan and am infact moving to OSAKA �on the first of next month
�on the first of next monthcant wait
i think Japan have a decent chance
i was watching something on japanese tv about them adn i think they have decent results against these teams.
Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 and did pretty well, although I didn't post anything here because I figured nobody was reading this thread :)
Next up for Japan is Serbia, on 7/4.
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i was in osaka that day, but too busy looking for new apartment. lol. yea i do watch the J-league also bet on it, and yea i seen that Bahrain game won some nice money on it actually :D
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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Spanked 3-0 today by Serbia in Japan.
Both sides fielded teams drawn from their domestic leagues.
Both sides fielded teams drawn from their domestic leagues.
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i a bit of a japanese fan myself
Awesome, I enjoyed hanging out in a sega arcade in dotonbori haha. Although, you did just miss Gamba v Cerezo. Do you follow J-League at all?
i even live in japan and am infact moving to OSAKA �on the first of next month
�on the first of next monthcant wait
i think Japan have a decent chance
i was watching something on japanese tv about them adn i think they have decent results against these teams.
Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 and did pretty well, although I didn't post anything here because I figured nobody was reading this thread :)
Next up for Japan is Serbia, on 7/4.
I have been to that Sega arcade!
I am reading this thread AussieNix, am appreciating it!
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the japanese media is really putting the pressure on japan
and are not happy with their recent performances...
and are not happy with their recent performances...
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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just been reading an article about japans bid for 2018 world cup, said they're pulling out because it seems like european countries will be in a fight for it. No surprises. Not sure where to put it, this seemed like the spot.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8659185.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8659185.stm
We will never fully decide who has won the football.
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Japan squad announced today. Amazing how many of them are from the J. League when you see it like this.
Goalkeepers:
Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus)
Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)
Defenders:
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F-Marinos)
Tulio (Nagoya Grampus)
Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo)
Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers)
Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata)
Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo)
Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers)
Midfielders:
Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama F-Marinos)
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)
Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds)
Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg)
Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow)
Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble)
Forwards:
Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse)
Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus)
Yoshito Okubo (Vissel Kobe)
Takayuki Morimoto (Catania)
Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)
Edit - censoring.aussienixfan2010-05-10 20:27:51
Goalkeepers:
Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus)
Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)
Defenders:
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F-Marinos)
Tulio (Nagoya Grampus)
Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo)
Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers)
Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata)
Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo)
Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers)
Midfielders:
Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama F-Marinos)
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)
Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds)
Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg)
Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow)
Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble)
Forwards:
Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse)
Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus)
Yoshito Okubo (Vissel Kobe)
Takayuki Morimoto (Catania)
Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)
Edit - censoring.aussienixfan2010-05-10 20:27:51
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Talking to my japanese friend about the WC, he thinks they are probally not gonna go through to knockout stages but thinks they still could. He seemed bemused at why Takahara isnt in the squad.
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japan got a game against S.Korea on the same day the all whites playing (24th) i think this game is really important for the confidence in the team... which has to be at rock bottom bout now
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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$83 return tickets to Osaka earlier today. Absolutely raging that I missed them.
hey man,
just wondering whereabouts those tickets were being offered? Something like grab-a-seat or a one-off deal? Which airline? Because that would be SWEET!
Was just watching the highlights of SK beating Japan 2-0, didn't look like they were playing too well. South Korea are looking great. It always amazes me how these Asian teams shoot so fast and powerfully from outside the penalty area and actually find the back of the net. Neither SK or JAP can be written off.
Japan take on England this Sunday night, quarter past midnight NZ time, should be fun.
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Am going to be living in Japan for 2 months in December/January. J-League runs over this time yeah?
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last round before Christmas is 4th December, then starts up again on 12th of January i believe. where you going to?
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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Will be in Tokyo over the 3 week Christmas break. Otherwise will be in Gifu attending Reitaku Mizunami College.
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oh wicked your going to love it
p.s. anyone watching the game? japan 1-0 up
p.s. anyone watching the game? japan 1-0 up
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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Following it on BBC. England 2-1 up both England goals from own goals.
Lampard had a penalty saved,
Lampard had a penalty saved,
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To be fair there was some England pressure involved especially the second England goal
But the Japanese goal was a classic in keeping the ball low.
Quite a friendly Japanese and English crowd here in Graz.
But the Japanese goal was a classic in keeping the ball low.
Quite a friendly Japanese and English crowd here in Graz.
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Japanese goalie was brilliant in this game, shame he conceded 2 from own goals, didn't deserve it for his performance throughout the game.
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yea he did play great, english keeper was pretty good to tho
Calling all fans in Japan, come down and support the mighty nix in Osaka
http://www.facebook.com/WellingtonPhoenixClubMembersSupportersGroupOsaka
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Okada leaving nothing to chance in final World Cup warmup
Interesting points;
It was hard to get a good take on Denmark when we (aus) played them as both teams seemed to be at a lot less than 100% but they weren't awesome at all. So thats something. I'm sure a few of you saw Slovakia v Cameroon, that was one boring game but again Cameroon weren't super impressive.
Hopefully Japan take it up a notch or two and get a result against Cote d'Ivoire, for confidence as much as anything!
Interesting points;
Okada has arranged for an extra 45 minutes against the Africans after the match in Sion so he can cast an eye over the entire squad in what will serve as a test run for Japan�s World Cup opener against Cameroon in Bloemfontein on June 14.
...
Japan looked a much tighter, organized unit with the return of Tulio alongside Nakazawa in central defense and Okada was for the most part pleased with the way his side coped with a previously untested 4-1-4-1 formation.
[/quote]Maybe I'm being critical but those two points don't really give one confidence right before the finals campaign? Particularly wanting the extra 45 minutes, almost seeming desperate for more practice.
Well, that and;
[QUOTE]Japan [...] has lost four of their last five games
Speculation that Kawashima, who played GK v England, may also start this match, which seems fair.
...
Japan looked a much tighter, organized unit with the return of Tulio alongside Nakazawa in central defense and Okada was for the most part pleased with the way his side coped with a previously untested 4-1-4-1 formation.
[/quote]Maybe I'm being critical but those two points don't really give one confidence right before the finals campaign? Particularly wanting the extra 45 minutes, almost seeming desperate for more practice.
Well, that and;
[QUOTE]Japan [...] has lost four of their last five games
It was hard to get a good take on Denmark when we (aus) played them as both teams seemed to be at a lot less than 100% but they weren't awesome at all. So thats something. I'm sure a few of you saw Slovakia v Cameroon, that was one boring game but again Cameroon weren't super impressive.
Hopefully Japan take it up a notch or two and get a result against Cote d'Ivoire, for confidence as much as anything!
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Goal.com Match Preview
PREDICTION
Ivory Coast have more established and well-known stars and should be the favourites to win this match. However, Japan showed on Sunday that they are not overawed by taking on highly rated teams and will prove to be tough competitors; but they won't be able to register a win.
Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast have more established and well-known stars and should be the favourites to win this match. However, Japan showed on Sunday that they are not overawed by taking on highly rated teams and will prove to be tough competitors; but they won't be able to register a win.
Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast
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D. Drogba is probably out of WC after one of Japanese defenders challenge in 17th minute of the game, broken elbow or something similar according to some unofficial news...
Shame, Ivory Coast chances are axed by at least half in my opinion.
Shame, Ivory Coast chances are axed by at least half in my opinion.
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The Japs will be pretty nippy as always...
There's no difference, they're all crustaceans.
But what's the difference between a pot of lobsters and the Japanese 2010 WC team steamrolled by the Dutch?
There's no difference, they're all crustaceans.
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