Japan’s progress paying off at World Cup, says Troussier

TOKYO: Japan believe they can shock Brazil in the World Cup round of 32, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation.
Frenchman Troussier led Japan when they co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002 and took them to the last 16 in only their second tournament appearance.
Japan have not missed a World Cup since, and they have openly talked about winning this year’s competition in North America, where they face Brazil in Houston on Monday.
Not even a showdown with the five-time champions can shake Japan’s current confidence, and Troussier believes it is fully justified.
“In only one game, everything is possible,” the 71-year-old told AFP at France’s chamber of commerce in Tokyo on Friday.
“Japan have confidence. They have talent. They have made tremendous tactical progress in the last few years, and they have so many experienced players who play for strong sides in Europe.
“Of course Brazil have fantastic players and they are favorites on paper but there are weaknesses that Japan could exploit.”
Troussier was hired to prepare Japan for the 2002 World Cup on home soil at a time when the country was a minnow on the international stage.
The professional J League was only founded in 1993, and the national team at the time featured only domestic-based players.
Young talent like Hidetoshi Nakata and Shinji Ono began to move overseas during Troussier’s tenure, and the trend has accelerated over the past two decades.
All but three of Japan’s current World Cup squad are based in Europe. Many play for clubs in England, Spain and Germany.

- Defensive strides -

Troussier says he always knew that Japanese players would “make a great improvement” in the