3 Feb 2005(Thu)

TOKYO (February 1): Japan's game against Kazakhstan was too one-sided to be of great value, other than giving the players a good run-out.

But there was one special moment for me, 15 minutes into the second half.

It was when Ogasawara played the ball through to Tamada, who smashed in a left-foot shot on the run for his second goal of the night to complete the 4-0 scoreline.

(Is it really true? Did he score his first with his right foot? The replays confirmed he did!)

These two players work really well together.

Ogasawara is a class act, and has been for several years.

He has great vision and skill, two good feet, and is a tough tackler and competitor. Philippe Troussier was a big fan of Ogasawara's, right from his days in the youth team, and it's not hard to see why.

In fact I'm quite surprised that Troussier did not try to sign Ogasawara as well as Koji for Marseille in a double transfer deal.

As for Tamada, well....he has impressed me from day one.

He has a lovely left foot, a lovely first touch, and uses his pace to make excellent runs into space behind the defence.

With Ogasawara's rapier passing, no wonder these two are a major threat.

But I wonder if either of them will be playing against North Korea next week?

Zico is certain to pick Shunsuke in the playmaker's role in a 3-5-2 formation, so Ogasawara's chances of starting must be slim.

Up front, Suzuki is Zico's first-choice forward, and rightly so as he does a great job for the team. He is the attacking spearhead and gives the team shape, holds up the ball well for his team-mates and is looking sharp in front of goal.

But if Zico brings back Okubo and Takahara from Europe, I could see a Suzuki-Takahara partnership for the World Cup qualifier, with Shunsuke supplying the ammunition from midfield.

As I said last week, it's a series of tough calls for Zico.

The Brazilian coach clearly feels the players overseas are the best, as they wouldn't be there in the first place, and he certainly has a point.

But the claims of Ogasawara and Tamada--fit, in fine early-season form and with a good understanding--to be in the starting line-up on February 9 are also very strong.

Otherwise, why the warm-up matches?

ends