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Japan, Belgium in exciting 2-2 draw

Co-hosts Japan earned their first ever World Cup point when they held Belgium in a thrilling opening group H game.
Heartstopper! - Images from the match

Co-hosts Japan fancy their chances in a group comprising Belgium, Russia and Tunisia. This optimism is fueled by the local J-league, perhaps the most exciting soccer league in Asia. The squad is bolstered by several stars playing in the European continent. And it is coached by Frenchman Philippe Troussier, who has nurtured this team.

Japan has traveled beyond Asia and played friendlies to prepare for the World Cup. Such homework should prove useful.


Goalkeepers:
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, Seigo Narazaki, Hitoshi Sogahata.

Defenders:
Yutaka Akita, Toshihiro Hattori, Ryuzo Morioka , Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, Naoki Matsuda, Koji Nakata.

Midfielders:
Hiroaki Morishima, Takashi Fukunishi, Hidetoshi Nakata, Alessandro Santos, Kazuyuki Toda, Tomokazu Myojin, Mitsuo Ogasawara, Junichi Inamoto, Shinji Ono, Daisuke Ichikawa.

Forwards:
Masashi Nakayama, Takayuki Suzuki, Akinori Nishizawa, Atsushi Yanagisawa.

June 19, 2002

  • Requiem for Japan's World Cup dream

    June 18, 2002
  • Turkey end Japan's run
  • Turkey aim high as Japan bow out in tears
  • The naked truth behind Japan's success

    June 14, 2002
  • Japan inspire national celebrations

  • Japan score historic victory


  • June 10, 2002
  • Second round beckons for Japan

  • Japan parties after historic win


  • June 9, 2002
  • Inamoto gives Japan historic win


  • June 8, 2002
  • Breakaways the key for Japan


  • June 7, 2002
  • Maradona to be allowed into Japan: media


  • June 4, 2002
  • Japan, Belgium in exciting 2-2 draw

  • Japan expects -- but not too much

  • Japan wary of set pieces against Belgium


  • May 24, 2002
  • Japan have "God" on their side: Troussier


  • May 21, 2002
  • Japan's mission not impossible: Troussier


  • May 20, 2002

    May 19, 2002
  • Tokyo's night playground awaits W'Cup invasion


  • May 11, 2002
  • Morioka return gives Japan a boost

  • Japnese qualifier shocks Kirtane


  • May 3, 2002
  • Mixed news for old rivals, Japan held to draw


  • April 22, 2002
  • World Cup supremo slams Japanese PM's shrine visit


  • March 16, 2002
  • Japan to ban flights over World Cup venues


  • December 1, 2001
  • France, Senegal to kick off 2002 World Cup


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