4 Jan 2005(Tue)

January 2--Get set for another year of World Cup fever in 2005!

Yes, I know the next World Cup in Germany is not until 2006, but in Japan the excitement and tension begins next month.

With North Korea first up in a group also consisting of Bahrain and Iran, Japan should be able to clinch one of the two automatic qualifying places quite comfortably.

I think they will have far too much experience and guile for the North Koreans and Bahrainis, although the Iranians will give Zico's men two hard games.

Still, I am very confident Japan will qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, after making their debut in France in 1998 and, of course, co-hosting the 2002 edition with South Korea.

World Cup qualifying games are more than simply football matches in Japan, they are an occasion, an event.

I will never forget the atmosphere of the games in 1997, first under Shu Kamo and later under Takeshi Okada as Japan rode a roller-coaster all the way to France, via that magical night in Johor Bahru against, remember, Iran!

In between the World Cup qualifying matches this summer there's the FIFA Confederations Cup, where the Japanese players and supporters should get a taste of what's to come the following year.

Personally, I think the 2006 World Cup will be one of the best ever, with magnificent stadiums, massive crowds and great organisation, and Japan can play an influential part in this representing Asia.

On the domestic front, the J.League will increase to 30 teams, 20 more than in the first season of 1993, with the first division expanded to 18.

Gone is the two-stage system, and the league will now operate like mainstream leagues around the world.

No play-offs, no 15-game sprints with little margin for error, but a steady, 34-game campaign when the most consistent team will be rewarded with the championship.

This system has operated only once-in 1996-when Kashima Antlers won their first league championship. It would be a good time for Antlers to bounce back in 2005 and challenge Marinos and Reds at the top.

Football in Japan is growing roots around the country, and the fans like the game for what it is now, without the need for gimmicks such as golden goals and penalty shootouts in league matches.

The J.League should have every confidence that their new league format will work, and the crowds will continue to climb in such a busy, newsy year.

ends