IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
The Milan and Manchester United stars will be at the forefront of Alberto Zaccheroni's squad, who will hope to spring a surprise at this summer's tournament
Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa headlined Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni 's selections as he named his World Cup squad on Monday.
Zaccheroni, coach of Japan since August 2010, selected 12 players based in Europe and 11 from the J League as the Italian prepares to lead Asia's top-ranked nation to Brazil.
Milan's Honda and Manchester United's Kagawa will be critical to Japan's hopes of progressing from Group C, where they will face Cote d'Ivoire, Greece and Colombia.
Japan traditionally struggle to produce top-line strikers and Zaccheroni will most likely rely on Honda and Kagawa to both create and score most of the team's goals at the World Cup.
Underlining Japan's struggles up front was the one surprise selection in Zaccheroni's squad with Yoshito Okubo of Kawasaki Frontale named despite having only been picked once before during the Italian's tenure.
Okubo was the leading goal-scorer in the 2013 J.League season, as he helped Kawasaki to a third-placed finish.
With 54 caps and five international goals to his name, the 31-year-old Okubo will challenge the likes of Mainz striker Shinji Okazaki and 1860 Munich's Yuya Osako for a spot up front.
Japan will start their World Cup campaign against Ivory Coast on June 14 in Recife, before taking on Greece in Natal five days later and Colombia in Cuiaba on June 24.
'You're bound for Brazil' - Kagawa told on Tokyo flight
Mon May 12, 2014 11:16am BST
Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa controls the ball during a practice session at the club's Carrington training centre in Manchester, northern England, April 8, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa was told he had been selected for Japan's World Cup squad by a flight attendant after being caught in mid-air when Alberto Zaccheroni named his 23-man line-up for Brazil.
"It wasn't announced on the plane, a regular cabin attendant gave me the message," Kagawa was quoted as saying by Kyodo after landing in Tokyo on Monday.
"Quite simply I am relieved. But being a member of the team is not my goal. My aim is to deliver results."
Despite his concerns, the 25-year-old is a certain starter for Japan's campaign in Brazil even though he has been deemed surplus to requirements during the English Premier League season under former United boss David Moyes, who was sacked last month.
It marked an abrupt change in fortunes for the talented playmaker, who had two impressive years with German side Borussia Dortmund before being signed by former United boss Alex Ferguson in 2012.
"I have experienced a lot in Europe over these four years, especially this year. I had won the league the previous three years," he said.
"This year the manager changed and it has been a really hard year in many ways but I think it has been really good for me to experience both good times and bad times at the top level in Europe.
"There have been times when I thought my spirit would break and I just thought I have to believe in myself. In the end it has been a really disappointing season what with not scoring a single goal but I was never slacked off in training or matches."
GETTING RESULTS
Kagawa was one of a number of young players who travelled with the Japan squad at the last World Cup in South Africa for experience after missing out on the 23-man party.
Frustrated at being overlooked by former Japan coach Takeshi Okada, Kagawa completed the shock move from then second division side Cerezo Osaka to Dortmund where he helped sparked their Bundesliga revival.
Although he has failed to hit the same heights at Old Traforrd, Kagawa has continued to shine under Zaccheroni and he looked forward to taking on Ivory Coast, Colombia and Greece in their Group C campaign with relish.
"Over these past four years my goal has been Brazil and I think I am here now because I fought and believed in myself," he said.
"I can play on a World Cup stage that I have dreamed about since I was little. I am not only going to enjoy it, I want to attach my mind to getting results.
"For the team I think our first game against Ivory Coast is crucial. Obviously we are in it to win the tournament but that is not something you can say lightly and I want to focus on Ivory Coast."
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by John O'Brien)
