Japan

Having arguably one of the strongest squads in the Asian region, Japan will be looking to improve on a poor World Cup campaign in 2006.

The 2010 World Cup will be Japan’s fourth and the winners of three of the last five AFC Asian Cup’s could prove to be a thorn in many a team side.

They will, however, have to do it without talismanic former Bolton star, Hidetoshi Nakata, the Roma midfielder having retired from International Football after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Star man - Shunsuke Nakamura

Japan's star man at the 2010 World Cup is most likely to be the former Celtic star famed for his freekicks.

Currently playing in La Liga for Espanyol, Shunsuke Nakamura hasn't been quite as successful as he was for Celtic and Reggina in Serie A but he will still remain a big threat for Japan as they look to do better than in previous World Cup campaigns.

Nakamura's exceptional ability on the ball has seen him praised by all of his managers and it is his technique and delivery at set plays that will make Japan a threat in South Africa.

Coach - Takeshi Okada

After previously managing Japan in their unsuccessful 1998 World Cup campaign Okada returned to the hot seat after predecessor Ivica Osim suffered a stroke in 2007.

Okada's tenure has been full of uncertainty however he has, in the long run proved a worthy coach as they qualified well for 2010. Whilst Japan are a good side they do have big weaknesses and Okada's decisions to use zonal marking may mean we see them caught out by more intricate sides.

Okada may also rely too heavily on set plays himself, especially with Shunsuke Nakamura in their side.

One to Watch - Takayuki Morimoto

Morimoto is the regarded as the brightest hope in Japanese football and has been described by some as like the Brazilian Ronaldo at the top of his game, this is due to his strong stature and his goal scoring prowess.

Plying his trade for Catania in Serie A Morimoto is developing into a superb young talent and is definitely one to watch out for. In Japan he set the record for the youngest J League debutant and then later as the youngest ever goal scorer.

In 2007 his progress was halted for 6 months due to a ligament injury but he has come back much stronger and still at the age of 21 he has the ability to keep developing and become one of the best strikers in the world.

Odds to win - 200/1

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