In 1997, Japan qualified for the World Cup for the first time. In 2002, they advanced to the quarter-finals as co-hosts of the tournament. Everyone in Japan remembers the ‘Tragedy at Doha’ in 1992. In the last World Cup qualification match, they allowed Iraq to score in injury time and salvage a draw. It meant they lost two points and their ticket to the World Cup. This affair and the J league‘s start boosted Japanese football fever.

Strengths
At every World Cup, Japan has had excellent midfielders like Hidetoshi Nakata or Shinji Ono. This World Cup is no exception. The Japanese have good skill, accuracy, and devotion.

Star Men
Shunsuke Nakamura (Espanyol)
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F. Marinos)
Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse)