14 Aug 2006(Mon)

Tokyo, August 12, 2006: One of the banners at the National Stadium on Wednesday said it all: "Rising Reds."

Although it's still very early in the Osim era, I thought three Urawa players showed enough to suggest they can play a major role in the new-look Japan.

At the back, Tulio brought an intensity and aggression to the team. Not only is he strong in the air, he reads the game well, and makes many timely interceptions and clearances.

In front of Tulio, in Osim's three-man midfield, Hasebe produced moments of sheer class. Without wanting to build him up too much, Hasebe at times reminds me of a young Roberto Baggio.

He has the touch, the skill and the grace of Baggio, and also has the power and the presence. During last year's Emperor's Cup campaign, I saw Hasebe score an individual goal which was a mini-replica of Baggio's solo slalom against the Czechs at the 1990 World Cup.

Hasebe does not simply pass the ball; he does not merely kick it. He strokes it and caresses it, and a couple of his passes, up the right wing in the first half, were beautiful examples of this technique. Hasebe, still only 22, can get better and better.

And then there was Tatsuya Tanaka. He deserved a goal for his tireless efforts, as I thought he made some excellent runs from a deep position behind the Trinidad and Tobago back line.

There is always debate and discussion about formations, but I thought Japan played 4-3-3, or, to break it down further, 4-1-2-2-1, with Keita Suzuki the lone "volante" and Ganaha the lone striker, supported by Yamase and Tatsuya. Some people may say Tatsuya was right up front alongside Ganaha, but I thought he was slightly withdrawn, enabling him to make those impressive, well-timed runs, and also to receive the ball deep and run at defenders.

As for the other Reds, Tsuboi looked more commanding and authoritative than in previous national team games, and Alex had more freedom to attack with Komano behind him. Keita, as usual, played a mature, disciplined game in rear midfield, but he needed help, especially in the second half, and that will surely come from Abe.

"Rising Reds" indeed. And surely "Rising Japan" also.

ends