Japan has left for their World Cup and will reach Germany’s Bonn (the siocty they will be hosted in) later this evening.

They play warm-up games against tournament hosts Germany and Malta before their Group F opener against Australia on 12 June. Japan’s group also includes Croatia and holders Brazil.

Japan and South Korea have been the hosts to 2002 World Championship, both teams passing to the knock-off stages. Japan wants to go past the last 16 this year, but this can prove quite difficult, seeing that they only really play to one qualifying place (Brazil has one of them in the back of their pocket). This means that Japan has to outplay Croatia.

Eleven members of the Japan squad played at the 2002 FIFA World Cup which the country co-hosted with South Korea. Japan reached the last 16 under Frenchman Philippe Troussier four years ago.

They will be making their third FIFA World Cup finals appearance after also qualifying in 1998.

Beethoven’s home town Bonn has already been decked out in Japanese blue banners to welcome the Japan squad and their army of fans.

The Japanese squad and officials have taken over a 252-room Hilton hotel on the banks of the Rhine.

Source: WCoffsite