Defender Atsuto Uchida spared Japan's blushes with a 43rd-minute winner as the Asian champions beat Cyprus 1-0 in their final home World Cup warm-up on Tuesday.... more »
Japan must produce cutting edge quality to match their intensity if they are to progress from their World Cup group in Brazil, head coach Alberto Zaccheroni said on Monday.... more »
Japan's World Cup preparations were given a timely shot in the arm after their female counterparts captured the Asian Cup on Sunday on a day of triple celebration for the country.... more »
Japan star Shinji Kagawa says he won't use the World Cup to impress Manchester United's new manager Louis van Gaal, despite being largely ignored by sacked David Moyes this season.... more »
Japan playmaker Shinji Kagawa is desperate to play a starring role at the World Cup in Brazil after the heartbreak of being left out of his country's squad four years ago.... more »
Japan captain Makoto Hasebe Friday backed veteran striker Yoshito Okubo's surprise selection for the World Cup and said he could help inspire younger players.... more »
Japan and South Korea will need to produce something special to meet at the World Cup, but expect a cut-throat battle for bragging rights in one of international football's fiercest rivalries.... more »
Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni believes his "love affair" with Japan will bear fruit at the World Cup after four roller-coaster years which has seen Asian Cup success but also intense criticism for reverses.... more »
Japan, led by bleach-blond haired Keisuke Honda, have a habit of making bold statements of intent ahead of a World Cup, and this year's tournament in Brazil is no different.... more »
Former Brazil star Zico makes his countrymen World Cup favorites -- but warns Uruguay, who wrecked the Selecao's dreams on their last hosting in 1950, are his dark horses.... more »
Striker Shinji Okazaki is hoping to cap his record-breaking season by helping Japan reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history at Brazil 2014.... more »
Striker Shinji Okazaki is hoping to cap his record-breaking season by helping Japan reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history at Brazil 2014.... more »