14 Feb 2008(Thu)

February 13, 2008: It was good to see two players in particular in Japan's Olympic squad so early in the season.

The first was Kazuhiko Chiba of Albirex Niigata; the second Shinichi Terada of Gamba Osaka.

Neither player was a key during Japan's tense qualifying campaign, but both are in a position now to force their way into the final 18 over the next few months.

Although Chiba is listed as a defender, he can also play in central midfield and certainly knows the game. This is clear in his every move, and his versatility is a big advantage with places so limited.

I remember last season Chiba having a fine game for Albirex against Reds at Saitama Stadium 2002, man-marking the man mountain Washington and emerging with great credit, despite his team's 1-0 defeat to a late Ponte cracker.

Washington was an expert in winning free kicks and penalties, as well as scoring goals, but Chiba stuck to his task, played with concentration and focus, and refused to be bullied by the burly Brazilian.

In short, Chiba showed some attitude to go with his talent, in the same way Mizumoto did for JEF when marking Juninho at Todoroki last season. This is always good to see in a young Japanese player, especially against an experienced and accomplished Brazilian striker.

As for Terada, I think he is a terrific prospect. He is quick, incisive and adventurous, with two good feet and an eye for goal. Gamba coach Nishino will demand more consistency from Terada this season as he tries to win a starting place in the silky smooth midfield, but his quality is not in doubt.

I feel that both Chiba and Terada have what it takes to jump from fringe member in 2007 to Olympian in 2008.

Regarding the national team for the East Asian Championship in China, it is the four strikers who have everything to play for.

With Okada's top three forwards -- Takahara, Okubo and Maki -- all missing, Bando, Yano, Maeda and Tashiro have the chance to impress.

Personally I hope Bando gets among the goals; he deserves to for wearing a short-sleeved shirt and no gloves when coming off the bench against Thailand in the Saitama snow last week...

Now that's what I call the Samurai spirit!

ends