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Vartininkai
23-Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata) Born: 15.8.75 Caps: 87 Goals: 0
The main goalkeeper of the team for a long time. An experienced player who played a key role in Japan's triumphs in the Asia Cup in 2000 and 2004. Excellent at blocking shots, but unreliable when dealing with crosses into the penalty area. Had a very unsuccessful season with the English team "Portsmouth," which later loaned him to a Danish club. Regained his form back in his homeland, playing for the "Jubilo Iwata" club.
12-Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo) Born 25.7.73 Caps 4 Goals 0
Some specialists already call him the best goalkeeper in Japan, although Japan's coach Zico and his predecessor Philippe Troussier rarely invited him to the national team. He probably makes fewer mistakes than Kawaguchi and plays more reliably when dealing with crosses into the penalty area.
1-Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight) Born: 15.4.76 Caps: 50 Goals: 0
Under the guidance of the Frenchman Troussier, he played in the position of the main goalkeeper, but under Zico's guidance, he played less reliably and eventually gave way to Kawaguchi. Plays boldly and reliably. Most likely will be the second goalkeeper of the team.
Gynėjai
3-Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) Born: 25.7.1981 Caps: 6 Goals: 0
A tough defending player who was called up by Zico as the last defender. A fairly versatile player, which helped him earn a few more call-ups to the national team.
5-Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka) Born: 7.2.77 Caps: 67 Goals: 3
Japan's captain. Not the tallest central defender, but reads the game well and has the respect of his teammates. Played in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, where he wore a mask resembling Zorro's mask to protect a broken cheekbone.
14-Alex (Urawa Reds) Born: 20.7.77 Caps: 70 Goals: 5
Zico requalified this player from a forward to a left-back who can also play safely on the same side. However, the dangerous habit of neglecting defensive duties a little is unsettling (here, perhaps, the fault lies with the talent of a forward). Collects too many unnecessary yellow cards. Could be a weak spot in the country's defense in Germany.
22-Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F-Marinos) Born: 25.2.78 Caps: 48 Goals: 9
The best Japanese footballer in 2004, scoring several crucial goals that helped the country win the Asia Cup in the same year. Fights well for high balls, dangerous in set pieces. Undoubtedly the best defender in the country at the moment.
