Japan recently returned to form after managing a 3-0 victory over Ghana in a friendly match. The team was defeated 4-2 by Uruguay only recently, which increased the pressure on manager Alberto Zaccheroni ahead of the World Cup.

He was an extremely pleased man after the Ghana match, as his team performed up to his expectations in all areas of the pitch. Japan came into the encounter on the back of a 3-0 win over Guatemala only a few days ago, but this was the real test for the Japanese players. A number of them have been finding it difficult to get regular first-team football with their clubs.

One of the most important among them has been Shinji Kagawa, who has so far not featured as a starter in any of the three Premier league matches for Manchester United. He was signed for more than $ 20 million only recently. When asked about the lack of action in the Premier league, he said that it is a question that should be asked David Moyes – the manager of Manchester United. Despite these shortcomings, Japan managed to overcome a very strong Ghana team. Kagawa was on the scoresheet for Japan along with Honda and Endo.

“I told my players that I was satisfied with their performance. They played aggressively while keeping the midfield tight and pressured their opponents well. I was able to see that in the Guatemala game, but today it was clearer. We played much better today, especially against our tough opponents. We dominated in midfield and created good finishing opportunities and made more attempts than our opponents. On top of that, our players responded well after giving away a goal,” said the Japan manager after the match. Japan’s next match will be once again in a friendly against Serbia.