World Cup

World Cup 2018 – Team Analysis – Japan

Japan offer some potential as a source of budget enablers for World Cup Fantasy.

However, the Samurai Blue have been under the guidance of coach Akira Nishino for just three matches and could struggle in Russia.

We’ve got everything you need to know about Group H’s Asian representative.

ROAD TO QUALIFICATION

Despite finishing top of their final qualifying group in the Asian region, it has been a rocky route to the World Cup for Japan. In fact, the opening match of the third round’s Group B schedule saw the Samurai Blue lose at home to United Arab Emirates. Results improved after that with important wins against rivals for top spot Australia and Saudi Arabia, and by the time they lost to the latter in the final match they had already booked their place in Russia.

However, throughout qualifying a battle of ideals was going on between then manager Vahid Halilhodzic and his squad. The outspoken Bosnian was critical of established Japanese footballing concepts based on possession football, trying to instil a more direct approach and some extra physicality to their play. That involved players such as Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki losing a grip on their starting berths. Nobody was ever quite sure what Halilhodzic’s best starting line-up, though. He used 68 different players in his three years in charge.

Following “poor communication with the players” and some disappointing friendly results, the Japanese Football Association took the uncharacteristically risky decision of sacking Halilhodzic just two months before the World Cup. Some were surprised to see the JFA be so drastic but with the team’s stars past their prime and the new recruits not performing well enough, most felt the change was needed. A draw with lowly Mali and a defeat to Ukraine, who have not qualified for Russia, drove that point home.

Brought in to replace Halilhodzic is one of the country’s most respected coaches in Akira Nishino, a man with great pedigree but out of coaching for over two years. He still holds the all-time record for most J.League wins as a club boss (270) also winning the AFC Champions League with Gamba Osaka in 2008. In 2016 he moved into the JFA as a technical director working with Halilhodzic and the players, but not in a coaching role. While his CV is impressive and he knows the squad well, he hasn’t got much time to return himself to the coaching mindset and get Japan in shape for their Group H opener with Colombia on June 19.

It’s certainly been a tough start to the role for Nishino who oversaw consecutive 2-0 defeats in his first two matches. The first was at home to Ghana, another nation who missed out on the World Cup, the second against high-flying Switzerland. However, Japan ended their warm-up campaign on a positive note in a 4-2 win over Paraguay.

AFC THIRD ROUND QUALIFYING

Most starts: Maya Yoshida (10), Hiroki Sakai (9), Genki Haraguchi (8), Masato Morishige, Hotaru Yamaguchi (both 7).

Most goals: Haraguchi (4), Takuma Asano, Yuya Kubo (both 2).

Most assists: Hiroshi Kiyotake, H Sakai (both 3).

THE KEY TARGETS

Midfielder Genki Haraguchi (£6.0m) was Japan’s top scorer in qualifying find the net four times. In fact, he went on a run of four consecutive matches where he scored in each one, adding an assist in the crucial win over Australia which booked passage to Russia. The Hertha Berlin wide-man started both of Nishino’s first two friendly matches and looks nailed on to be in the Japan team in June 19.

Left-back Hiroki Sakai (£4.0m) could prove to be an essential budget enabler for World Cup Fantasy managers. The Marseille full-back’s strength on the overlap and fine crosses led to three assists in qualifying. Owing to time out with a knee injury during the spring, Sakai didn’t start either of Nishino’s first two matches in charge, coming on as a second-half substitute against Switzerland earlier this month and against Paraguay. If he can get his match fitness back up to scratch, given his importance in qualifying (nine starts), he should be a regular starter. He has the potential to be the perfect £4.0m investment with assists thrown into the mix as well.

The talismanic figure of Keisuke Honda (£6.5m) has returned to the forefront of the national team after losing such a strong claim to a starting place under Halilhodzic. Owing to the Bosnian’s attempts to change the team’s style, Honda made just six starts in qualifying but still contributed a goal and two assists. He has been virtually ever-present since Nishino took over and seems certain to feature from the beginning against Colombia. As Japan’s set-piece taker, he could be the best way to invest in their attack.

THE LONG SHOTS

Midfielder Makoto Hasebe (£5.0m) was involved from the start in Nishino’s first two matches in charge suggesting his place against Colombia is fairly set in stone. The 34-year-old holding midfielder registered two assists in just six starts during qualifying and was also a key player for Eintracht Frankfurt as they shocked Bayern Munich in the 2018 DFB Pokal final.

While Honda has reclaimed his place in the side under Nishino, striker Shinji Okazaki (£6.0m) finds himself largely on the bench still. Just as he has shown with Leicester though, whenever he’s on the pitch, he tends to do well. In just four qualifying starts he contributed a goal and an assist. Furthermore, Okazaki comes into the World Cup on the back of scoring six Premier League goals and assisting another three (his best tally to date in England) in just 1314 minutes of football this season. Investing in him would prove something of a risk considering his game-time is limited but it could pay off.

Also fighting to get back into the side is former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa (£6.5m), although his struggle has been largely based around injuries. The Borussia Dortmund man has been plagued with an ankle problem since February and hasn’t started a match either for club or country in four months. However, he looked good when he came on as a second-half substitute against Ghana last month and registered a goal and two assists in the recent win over Paraguay. Kagawa scored just once in qualifying but that was during his battle with Halilhodzic which only afforded him five starts. His overall record for his country, 30 goals in 91 caps, suggests if he gets back into the team he will be involved in Japan’s scoring.

Further Analysis

Our comprehensive World Cup guide can be found here.

Group A Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group BIran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

Group CAustralia, Peru, France, Denmark

Group DArgentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group EBrazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia

Group FMexico, Germany, Sweden, South Korea

Group GBelgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group HSenegal, Japan, Poland, Colombia

Our editor’s Fantasy World Cup tips as told to Proper Sport

Fantasy iTeam

Fantasy Football Scout is supporting Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. We have an official Fantasy Football Scout League open to UK users only, with a £1000 of Amazon vouchers to give out, split between the top three performers. There’s also the small matter of £10k worth of prizes available in the main competitions: Overall World Championship and Manager of the Gameround.

Click here for details and here to sign up.

Our League name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 1887.

Please note, users must be over 18 and based in the UK to join our league.

World Cup Data
We’re delighted to offer World Cup data as an early addition to our regular season offering to help those playing Fantasy games over the summer.

We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, which begins on June 14 but also from the Qualifying Rounds for Europe and South America and for international friendlies involving the participating nations. This includes all the matches played right up to the tournament kick-off.

Just to stress, this World Cup offering comes packaged with the regular Fantasy Football Scout membership.

Check out this new trailer previewing the World Cup content below…

786 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Salah to start vs Uru ?

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No.

      1. Totalfootball
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Such a shame ,
        What a good option at 8.5 🙁

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

      1. Totalfootball
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        U sure ?!
        Any links/sources ?

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No one can know. Will be a last minute call.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I bet they know already if he is or isn't starting.

  2. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Help me out guys

    A) Granqvist + Lo Celso/Cueva

    B) Danilo + Meza

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B for me

  3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    1. Is Pavard now a good choice?
    2. Is Muller better than Coutinho +0,5m?
    Ta.

    1. Super Frank
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Double yes

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      1. Not sure.
      2. Yes for me.

      Are you 7? Time to make England competitive at least!

      1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yes I am, 007 at your service. Go England!

  4. BobBradleysOpportunity
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    what's up people?! is there a fantasy football scout league for the macdonald's game?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      League Pin: HEWJPVYR

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, for those yet to join, the league name is FantasyFootballScout and the code is HEWJPVYR.

    3. BobBradleysOpportunity
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      many thanks

    4. putana
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      yes. HWEQWRABAH

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Incorrect...

        1. putana
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          close enough imo mcdonald's will understand

  5. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ok so I think I am quite happy with this. Any feedback would be awesome guys .. Only 2 days to go !!

    Pickford
    Kimmich Varela Meunier Mojica
    J.Rod Eriksen Mueller
    Lukaku Jesus Mbappe

    Uzoho * Hegazi * Inui * Ndiaye.

    1. Binimini
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Mbappe was injured in training today. He has said on twitter, that it was just a knock, but there is some cause for concern

  6. aidmata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any feedback guys?

    Schmeichel

    Kimmich Marcelo Varela Meunier Sabaly

    Eriksen Muller

    Jesus Lukaku Messi

    Subs: Ryan Barrios Hamed A. N'Diaye

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Is Sabaly nailed?

      1. Essan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        seems to be

  7. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A Suarez Giroud
    B Cavani Griezman

    1. Lewa
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B definitely

  8. MarvelouSuccess
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Cavani or Werner?

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Cavani

  9. Edwards123
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    With the Mbappe scare is this replacement strategy worth while??

    Out) Mbappe, Muslera, Hegazi, Tagliafico

    In) Suarez, Caballero, Dalsgaard, Sabaly

  10. Lewa
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    This might just be it. Rate my team!

    Muslera
    Kimmich, Meunier, Varela, Kolarov
    Isco, Belhanda, Milinkovic/Ljajic ?
    Lukaku, Jesus, Cavani

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No Lewa?

      1. Lewa
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Who would you change him with?

    2. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Isn't varela injured?

      1. Lewa
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Oh man. Thx for telling me. It might be that he is not fit to play.

    3. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      also do not like kolarov, serbia in tough group, prone to conceding 2+ and at 5.5 plenty of excellent options: trippier (eng), carvajal (spain), guerreiro (por), miranda/danlo (bra)

      1. Lewa
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        In the platform that i am playing in he is pretty cheap and i plan to swap him before the game against Brazil

  11. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Mbappe says he is fine in his instagram account

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Why wouldn't he be?

      1. Binimini
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        He was injured in training

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Bollocks.

          1. Critical Observer
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            So guess he just felt like announcing he's ok and he didn't really get pummelled by Adel Rami; they kind of just staged the situation + aftermath, of which there are photos, for the proverbial excrement + giggles.

  12. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    who is the best choice of 5.5 defender not from Uruguay? Thinking Sidibe?

    1. Lewa
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He might not play....

    2. AndyCook
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Danilo then Sidibe then Trippier possibly

      • Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Danilo is.

      • Root
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Danilo and Mendy

      • Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Dandildo

    3. cniami
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Rmt
      Pickford/Uzoho
      Meunier/Danilo/Varela/Hegazi/Dalsgaard
      Isco/J Rodriguez/Inui/Eriksen/Cueva
      Lukaku/Jesus/Cavani
      Want to get inui out for a 5.0 like Al Dawsari but struggling to free up 0.5
      Thoughts?

    4. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      28 goals in 37

      ALSAHLAWI(c) vs Russia

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        what?

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          yep

            1. 420king
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              I see, thanks. Not convinced though: "...but five-goal hauls against the likes of Timor Leste have swelled the tally"

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                I require 6pts.

    5. ludaslol
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A) Taglicafico + D. Silva (mid)
      B) Trippier + De Arrascaeta (mid)

      Local variant.. No bench either so scared Arrascaeta might not start..

    6. Lav
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Pavard now rumored to start? Had him in my side over the weekend, but was told otherwise here.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Where is the rumour from?

        1. 420king
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          His knee is swollen

      2. Prøfeßör …
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        No one knows for sure. To soon to tell.

    7. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Who's the pick of the £12m'ers?

      I've just got this feeling Neymar is going to be the star.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Messi

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Got him in your team?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I did then saw how good it looked without him. Now seeing if I can shed some money to bring him back in. 🙁

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Neymar for me. Has lots of involvement in a team that score lots.

    8. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Coutinho or Mueller? No other Brazil or Gemany attackers

      1. Binimini
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Müller

      2. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Coutinho

    9. Farke in hell
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      which one:

      A) Mbappe + Mueller
      B) Werner + Coutinho
      C) Lewandowski + Coutinho

      1. Binimini
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        B

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        A assuming Mbappe not crocked

    10. Nando7
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Which combo

      Messi Greizmann Cavani

      James Eriksen Carrasco

      OR

      Lukaku Cavani Greizmann

      James Eriksen Coutinho

      1. Binimini
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        B

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        The one with Lukaku and Coutinho

    11. MarvelouSuccess
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Is muller essential or should I wait and see how he performs?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Nobody is essential. And it's a knockout competition, by the time you wait to see if players are in form they can be knocked out.

        1. MarvelouSuccess
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I doubt that Germany will be knocked out early though.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Either way the tournament is too short to worry about waiting on form. You have to predict form based on fixtures/teams.

    12. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Why no mertens?
      Maybe I pick him over that troll

    13. Felix D
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      T. Inui (Japan 4.5M) scored a brace in Japan’s friendly today, down as a mid.... too good to be true?

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        might not start, but I still think he's the best pick of the 4.5ms
        first game of that day too so you can leave him on your bench if he doesn't start

      2. MarvelouSuccess
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I put him in straight away. All aboard the hype train.

      3. Essan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        will he score against Colombia?

        1. MarvelouSuccess
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I don't have a crystal ball...

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Haha

      4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Does he better than A.Ndiaye?

    14. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A) Jesus + Messi
      B) Mbappe + Neymar

      1. MarvelouSuccess
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        A

      2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        B for me

      3. Binimini
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        A

    15. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm BB First round. Here's what I have.

      Suarez Lukaku, Sterling
      Eriksen, Tadic, Ziyech, Al Dawsari
      Godin, Trippier, Meunier
      Muselera

      Uzoho, Granqvist, Boyata, N'Diaye

      I'd like a better backup keeper for the first round of games, but I'd need 1 or 0.5 M from somewhere. Boyata is a punt based on Kompany not being available for the first game or two. I could drop him to a 4 or 4.5 and upgrade Uzoho.

      1. Essan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure I would go Sterling (but I am English so have no confidence in them 😀 )

        Otherwise looks good for a BB

        1. noahzark22
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          thats WHY i'm going with him. No one else seems to be. He could very well start up top with Kane. Could be a steal. I'm not going to win being boring!

    16. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Which do you think is best here?

      A) El Khajoui, Ziyach, Isco

      B) Pickford, Al-Dawsari, Mueller

    17. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      If you had to double up in defense which team would that be?

      1. Boomerang V
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Considering you would WC before round 2 so it is only for round 1

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Someone that plays within the first few days.

        1. Boomerang V
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          good call so you can sub them out if necessary

      3. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        morocco

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          + 42.

      4. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        England or Sweden or Colombia

        1. Boomerang V
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          thanks

          this was useful

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            You're welcome, you might find this helpful too then...
            https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/18249381

    18. Nando7
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How many people are having a decent bench...currently got 4.0 and 4.5s...??

      1. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        two 4.0s - Idowu and Uzoho. then cheapest player is varela

      2. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        o/

    19. putana
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      talking myself off of neymar because of that first game against switzerland.
      what is everyone else saying

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Might as well just go for Jesus instead

        1. putana
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          frusterating when a forward getting subbed off at 60 though

      2. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        fancy that game to be a 0-0 or a 1-0 either way. Swiss defence one of the best in the tournament

    20. Jakarta
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Anyone know who the starting GK is for Senegal?