The Contenders · Nation to Glory
Take Japan to Glory
“meticulous pressers”
Japan — meticulous pressers. The best-prepared squad at any tournament. The bookmakers file them under the contenders at 16/1 – 40/1.
▶ Play as Japan
- The bookmakers
- The Contenders — 16/1 – 40/1
- The federation's target
- The quarter-finals
- Your spine
- Kawaguchi, but taller in goal · Miyamoto, mask included at the back · Nakata, but he answers his phone in midfield · Kazu Miura, but he actually retired up front
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Japan can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Japan
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting