The Japanese are taking a positive attitude to the game
Author: JeremySometimes the most compelling stories of the Soccer World Cup 2010 are not to do with the grand entrance of some team that is destined to win. They are the stories of the committed teams that give the play their best shot in the hope that they might taste the glory of lifting the trophy. It would make a really wonderful story if an outsider such as Japan was able to snatch the cup from the establishment teams. The positive attitude that the Japanese contingent has shown will serve them well when it comes to executing the game. The coach Takeshi Okada has said that they have learnt a lot from the friendly that they had with Netherlands. They believe that it is possible for them to cause an upset when they meet up.
Confidence is not an issue with the Japanese team after they managed to get a win out of the tie with Cameroon. The final score on that occasion was one goal for no reply. This means that they have accumulated points within the group and could change the qualification dynamics if they win their match. What is even more important is the way that they are embracing the event and their position as underdogs. Rather than sitting in self pity they are actually working to ensure that they are getting a good deal out of the preparation time. They are also sending signals to their opponents that they are not yet a lost cause.
It will be interesting to see how the Japanese fair against the Netherlands. This is one of the great European teams and they are expected to make an impact on the big stage. If Japan is able to pull off what many would consider an upset, then they will be one of the contenders to take to the quarter finals or even semi finals. It is not yet clear that the Japanese team is the best in the world but they can play with the best of them on any given day.