18 May 2006(Thu)

Tokyo, May 16, 2006 -- The selection of Seiichiro Maki in Japan's World Cup squad was not only a personal triumph for the player, but also for the J.League in general.

Had Maki been left out, then not only him but many others within the game would have been disappointed and deflated.

But Zico's bold move -- well, bold by his own cautious standards -- has offered hope to young players around the country that hard work and ambition can be rewarded at the highest level.

I've had a couple of long chats with JEF United manager Ivica Osim about Maki this season, and he could not speak highly enough of his eager centre forward.

"He's an example to all Japanese players," was one comment. "He has come from nothing to the national team."

Another Osim observation was that "every team needs a player like Maki" -- someone who can come off the bench for the second half or maybe for the last 30 minutes and change a game with his tireless running and foraging for an opening.

"Not big technique, but a very, very big heart," said Osim.

As the season has progressed, there has been a groundswell of support for Maki, certainly among the English language media in Japan.

And if any match left no doubt as to Maki's electric form and value, then it was JEF's 2-0 home win over Urawa Reds.

Not only did Maki score a fantastic goal with a flashing drive that flew into the net off the post, he also led the JEF line in a hard, bruising battle against the power of Tulio and the pace of Tsuboi.

The two Kirin Cup games then confirmed the current form and condition of Maki compared to that of Kubo, who has struggled to overcome a catalogue of injuries and is not the potent, unpredictable, awkward force of old.

Zico kept everyone waiting, didn't he, by leaving Maki's name right to the end. Would it be Kubo, who was the logical choice in normal circumstances, or would it be Maki?

He went for the latter -- and put a smile on the face and a spring in the step of many people in the game.

No player deserves this accolade more than Maki, who, as Osim says, has come from nothing (Komazawa University) to the national team, and now to the World Cup....in just over three seasons.

It's a success story which should inspire young players around the country.

ends