The match against Jordan on Friday night is far from a foregone conclusion and Japan should be wary of expecting it easy. The cliche “there are no easy games any more” definitely applies, with Jordan having come within seconds of beating Japan last time they met – Maya Yoshida’s equaliser, deep into injury time, giving the Samurai Blue a 1-1 draw in Asian Cup play last year. Also it should be noted that Jordan held Iraq to a draw in their opening game of these Brazil World Cup qualifiers and will be buoyed by that fact, as they hold out hope of qualifying for their first ever World Cup finals!

Rumours abound that Keisuke Honda may be rested – he is said to be carrying a slight injury and would probably be needed at his best for the away game in Australia next week, presuming the injury is not serious (and if it is, it’s been kept quiet!).

Can we, perhaps, expect changes with a view to either resting players, or testing players for the Australia game? I suggest that Kiyotake will start in place of Honda and, just maybe Sakai will get the right back place over Uchida – why not!! Some are hoping 194cm Mike Havenaar gets a chance and I can’t help thinking that Ryo Miyaichi will get a go just after the hour mark, especially if Japan are in need of a goal!

What do YOU think?

Alan Gibson, editor, JSoccer Magazine
Mail alan@jsoccer.com or check this web site for details on how to get back issues, or the forthcoming issue 4 (June 15th) of JSoccer Magazine – Japanese Football in English (and Japanese!).