It was with GREAT pleasure that I watched Japan win two Kirin Cup games by a score of 4-0 in late May. But it was an even greater pleasure to see someone who I have been calling “the best uncapped player in Japan” for many years finally make an appearance for the national team. Satoshi Yamaguchi came on in the 78th minute, wearing his very own no.5, replacing Makoto Hasebe and made history. And may I say that, in his second appearance a few days later, when he came on for Tulio at about the same time, Japan looked SO much better than with the hot-headed Urawa Reds centre back on the field. Tulio was lucky that Rob Stiles was not in Premier League mode or there were TWO different occasions that Tulio warranted a red card!Yamaguchi, unfortunately did not even make the bench for the Uzbekistan game, which is hopefully NOT a sign of things to come and, if Tulio’s performance in that match is taken into consideration, Yamaguchi could well (should!) get a starting berth against Qatar!Congratulations Satoshi Yamaguchi – now I need to find another “best uncapped player” to be trumpeting!