22 Jun 2006(Thu)

Bonn, June 19, 2006 -- Looking through Japan´s squad here at the World Cup, there are not many outfield players you could say with confidence will still be around for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

(That is provided Japan qualify, however, as Australia will be a formidable foe for the established Asian powers next time around).

But one of these is most certainly Akira Kaji, Japan´s Cafu for his work up and down the right flank.

Against Croatia at Nuremberg, Kaji was among Japan´s top performers.

As well as having to deal with the attacking threat of the athletic Babic down Croatia´s left, Kaji also found time to get forward and provide some dangerous moments at the other end.

The former FC Tokyo and current Gamba Osaka man is equally at home at right back in a four-man defence, or on the right side of a five-man midfield, and this has made him indispensible to Zico for the past couple of years.

The fact that Tokunaga (FC Tokyo) and Nakamura (Avispa Fukuoka) are both talented young right backs will keep Kaji under pressure for his place, and that is a good thing, while Komano, his able deputy against Australia, might be advised to switch to the left flank to try and take Alex´s place.

It was interesting watching Kaji against Croatia. In Zico´s 4-4-2 formation, the Brazilian coach looks to his two full backs, Kaji and Alex, to provide the width, in the same way Narahashi and Soma used to do for Kashima.

It is not the job of the wide midfield players to break down the flanks, get to the line and cross into the box, it is the job of Kaji and Alex, and the team must be well organised to put these two in the right position at the right time. When Japan can hold the ball long enough, and not give it away carelessly with an ambitious pass or a poor piece of control, they can frequently bring these two into play, and catch the covering defence out of position.

I feel the national team needs a major overhaul after the World Cup, but Kaji will remain one constant.

Japan´s MVP against Croatia, however, was undoubtedly Kawaguchi, although Hidetoshi Nakata received the official award from FIFA.

There is no doubt Japan´s heads were down after the Australia debacle, but Kawaguchi changed the mood with his excellent save, low to his left, from Srna´s well-struck penalty. No arguments about the penalty award, either, as Tsune had allowed Prso to get behind him, and paid the price for his hasty challenge.

Yoshi proved again he is a big-game player, and deserves another hero´s reception on his return.

ends