The standard of Japan football has improved since the 2010 World Cup. National coach Alberto Zaccheroni is now brave enough to use young players. Current men’s Olympic coach Takashi Sekizuka, who formerly coached Kawasaki Frontale, is famous for focusing on attack and using young players. Most current squad members are regular players in their clubs; and, Nagoya Grampus striker Kensuke Nagai is capable of taking points from their opponents.
Japan only reached the quarterfinals once in 2008, and finished in group stage for the other three Olympics. But they have a strong squad this year, including Hoffenheim midfielder Takashi Usami and Nuremberg midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake, both deemed as their hope. FC Tokyo defender Yuhei Tokunaga, VVV-Venlo midfielder Maya Yoshida and Hannover 96 defender Hiroki Sakai have also played for their national team.
Although F.C. Tokyo goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda cannot fully replace Eiji Kawashiwa as starting lineup, he is a regular player of the national team. The only problem is that the Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda were not selected which may hinder their tactics in attack. Therefore over-age players Yugei Tokunaga and Maya Yoshida will have to play well in defense.
Standings
Group D
P
W
D
L
GD
PTS
Japan Oly Men
3
3
0
0
2
7
Honduras Oly Men
3
1
2
0
1
5
Morocco Oly Men
3
0
2
1
-1
2
Spain Oly Men
3
0
1
2
-2
1
Team Information
Association Founded：
1921
FIFA affiliation：
1923
AFC affiliation：
1954
Coach：
Takashi Sekizuka (Japan)
Olympics Appearances:
4
Qualification：
London 2012 Football Asia Preliminary Group C Winners
