Right, so as of last week Japan had 100% confirmed they would be competing in this years Copa America. Some may be asking, Japan in a South American competition? Crazy I know but its legit.
Japan along with Mexico were invited to participate in this years competition back in 2009. Following the recent tsunami in Japan back in March, Japan had withdrawn from the competition all together but as of last week they are back on track to play.
One of the players Japan will hope to be back in action for them by the time the competition kicks of is Shinji Kagawa, he has been out since the end of January with a broken foot and is sure to miss the rest of his clubs serge for the title. Kagawa had been in fine form for his club through out the domestic season which saw him bang in 8 goals in 17 appearances for his club. To have Kagawa fit and ready for this competition will be one of Japans main concerns as he will add extra added attack with Keisuke Honda.
One player all the Japanese supporters will be hoping for to get the call up is Arsenal's on loan winger Ryo Miyaichi who has been lighting up the Eredivisie in the last two months. He has been a live wire for Feyenoord.
Besides the likes of Argentina and Brazil I am pretty sure that Japan will be one of the main contenders for this competition, they had a solid World Cup and can only go from strength to strength with the exciting talent coming through the ranks which will also compliment the experience of the older players. One other player who I would keep an eye one would be Takayuki Morimoto who has been compared to the legend Ronaldo for his strength, size and speed. Only problem is that he hasn't been hitting form for his club Catania, but nether the less hes a quality player who with the right chance he will be able to prove the doubters wrong.
I for one will be subscribing to Setanta Sports to watch all the action in the Copa America. More so to see how Chile do as well because their team should chuck up a few surprises this year!
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