The Contenders · Nation to Glory
Take Japan to Glory
“meticulous pressers”
The press pack calls Japan the best-prepared squad at any tournament, and files them as meticulous pressers. The bookmakers put them in 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, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Kawaguchi, but taller. At the back, Miyamoto, mask included. Running midfield, Nakata, but he answers his phone. Up front, Kazu Miura, but he actually retired.
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