Both Japan and Korea Republic have now changed their gear to “battle mode.”
With the draw for the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finished, coaches and players of the two teams have renewed their determination.
“It will be important how well we will prepare,” said Korea Republic coach Hong Myung-Bo while Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni insisted “What will matter is not who we play against but how we will play.”
Korea Republic have steadily improved their level under Hong, who took charge just before the EAFF East Asian Cup 2013 in July. On the 15th November, they were 2-1 winners against Switzerland, a Pot 1 team in the 2014 World Cup draw.
Four days later, Korea Republic traveled to UAE for a friendly match against Russia. They took the lead early in the first half with a goal from Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan Hyundai) and came close to a second goal on several occasions. Eventually, they lost 1-2 but at least showed impressive development.
Korea Republic will start the year of the World Cup by having a training camp in Brazil in January. The squad is expected to be built around players playing for domestic clubs. After the camp, they will move to the United States for warm-up matches against three 2014 FIFA World Cup contenders - Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States.
Korea have been drawn to play Belgium, Russia and Algeria in the finals. Belgium have the highest ranking in the group and most of their key players belong to big European clubs. With quality individuals playing well-organised football, they are deemed as dark horses of the tournament.
Russia also have quality. Under Italian coach Fabio Capello, they’ve got a winning mentality, which they had previously lacked on the international stage. In addition, you should not underestimate Algeria with their highly-reputed defence. It’s a well-balanced group, so every team in it arguably has enough chance to progress to the knockout phase.
Meanwhile, Japan have been drawn into Group C alongside Colombia, Greece and Cote d’Ivoire. Colombia, who have made impressive progress through the South American qualifying round as runners-up are seen as favorites, but a tense battle among the four is expected in this group as well.
For Japan, the key to getting through the group stage arguably lies in the first game against Cote d’Ivoire. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, they opened the door to the last 16 by beating Cameroon in the opening match. Japan should obtain at least one point to keep their hopes intact before the last two games.
Actually, Japan have a small advantage. In Recife, where their opening match will take place, they played against Italy in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013. Knowing the atmosphere in and out of the stadium beforehand might give Zaccheroni’s side the edge.
The records and results in past campaigns can also affect the group contenders’ fortunes. Fourth in the latest FIFA rankings, Colombia will attend the finals for the first time since the 1998 FIFA World Cup. While Cote d’Ivoire and Greece have qualified for three successive campaigns, both failed to go beyond the group stage on the last two occasions.
For their part, Japan reached the last 16 in 2002 and 2010. They have in their squad many players who experienced the previous tournament held in South Africa, such as goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and midfielders Makoto Hasebe, Yasuhito Endo and Keisuke Honda. They know how to win in the World Cup where contenders’ intentions are complex and high-level gamesmanship is required.
How will the two teams from the EAFF perform in the world’s most prestigious international football tournament? It will become clear soon, as the football festival attracting worldwide attention gets ever closer.
