Costa Rica vs Greece – Underdog Showdown

ROUND OF 16 – MATCH 4

COSTA RICA  VS  GREECE

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Venue: Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Referee: Benjamin Williams(Australia)

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OVERVIEW

Before the World Cup, no one would have anticipated what was about to create whirlwinds.  Brilliant football, classic upsets and what not! This group stage has been none the more unpredictable, and none the more exciting! With Goliath(s) falling down and setting the way for newer and more attractive football. Games were won tactically and skillfully. Not without their fair share of controversies! With so much happening and so much to look forward to, the round of 16 is here.

Costa Rica have been like an assassin. Quiet but deadly. They have topped the “Group of Death” group D, and seem in undeniable form before their round of 16 clash.Playing for their first ever quarter-final, they have nothing to lose, but riches to win.

Greece find themselves on similar turf. Also playing for their first ever World Cup quarterfinal,they have often been criticized for their negative football and their lack of attack. They might very well silence the critics this time around, as they find themselves on a similar step a decade after their Euro win.

ROAD TO THE SECOND ROUND

The La Sele were predicted to be the weakest team of the group and very unlucky to be placed alongside 3 previous World Cup Winners and formidable attacking sides-England, Uruguay and Italy. The betting odds were totally against them. Even their own fans didn’t expect much, although they kept supporting. Their first match against Suarez-less Uruguay ended in a 3-1 victory for them, shocking many and claiming it to a fluke. They proved everybody wrong again by defeating Italy again, 1-0! Certain to qualify, they drew their final match against an already lost English team to finish the group unbeaten at 7 points.

Greece didn’t have such an amazing start.They were put in group C, also called the unpredictable group. With teams like Colombia, Japan and Ivory Coast playing alongside, their chances looked dim. After losing terribly to a fast Colombian side 3-0, Greece was doubted for their diamond-hard defense had been exploited. Yet, they managed a score-less draw against the Japan side, reduced to 10 players before the half time. A must win game for them against Ivory Coast was hard. They just had 1 point and 0 goals. The game almost went even until Samaras won the game for them with an injury time penalty, securing them the second spot with 4 points.

HISTORY AND STATS

• This is their first ever showdown.
• This is Costa Rica’s 2nd time in the knockout stage, last time being in 1990, USA where they lost 4-1 to Czechoslovakia.
• This is Greece’s first time in the knockout stage in the World Cup.
• Greece has won only 2 of their 9 World Cup games, and only one clean sheet, against Japan this time.
• Costa Rica are yet to concede a goal from open play, the only goal against them being Cavani’s penalty.
• None of Costa Rica’s four goals at this World Cup have been scored before the 44th minute.
• Meanwhile, each of Greece’s four goals in World Cup history have been scored from the 42nd minute onward.
• The highest possession percentage Costa Rica has had this time around is 44%
• Samaras goal against Coast Ivory ended his goal drought of 1478 minutes for his national team and his only shot on target this season.
• Keylor Navas, Costa Rica’s goalkeeper has saved seven of the eight shots on target he’s faced in this World Cup.

COSTA RICA-TACTICAL PREVIEW 

Costa Rica had 7 points from their 3 matches. Jorge Luis Pinto, the manager must be happy on how his side has remained a good defensive side, especially when they were playing against faster outfits with the likes of Balotelli, Sturridge and Rooney. They have managed to remain compact and defend as a team.Their goalkeeper, Keylor Navas has been having the form of his life. The Levante keeper has shown some impressive stops to prevent them from losing. Lacking any star player, Brian Ruiz and Joel Campbell the only known faces.

They have preferred a 5-4-1/3-5-2 formation over the course of the tournament and are dependent upon their wing-backs Gamboa and Diaz.This makes them a counter-attacking force, and something to worry about in the team. Also, they are unusually strong on set pieces and have Christian Bolaños as their specialist.

Joel Campbell on his own can turn the game against the Greece with his pace. The Arsenal man can create problems in the Greek defense cutting in through defenders. His ability to turn the game from defense to attack has worked wonders and is the center of their play.

STRENGTHS:

Their strength lies in their pace and their counter attack. It might very well be enough for the Greek side who have often seen themselves giving open spaces.

WEAKNESS:

They don’t keep possession very long. Even though it is a team tactic, against a team like Greece, that just means more time for them to take shots on goal and possibly score.

KEY MAN:

Joel Campbell will be the man to look out for.He is not the usual no. 9, ramming through defense as well as providing out balls for counters.
Also:  Brian Ruiz.

Ruiz – Captain Fantastic.

TACTICAL SET UP-GREECE

Greece had just inched their way into the knockout stage thanks to a last minute goal by Samaras. They haven’t been a what you can call a “deserving team”, but they have worked their way through, like they have always been known for. Their game is often ridiculed for being boring and not in the interest of the game, but that is changing ever since Santos became their new manager. He has tried to put in a little bit pace and counter in the slow Greek side. Unlike the old times they don’t nick a goal and put their bodies on the line after that. They have the capability to keep possession and dictate play. But Santos would most probably play cautiously considering the stage he is playing.

They play a deep-line 4-5-1 with Samaras switching the 1 forward position with Mitroglou. Their midfield often tracks back to provide stability and extra men to the defense. Their defense is solid and they often compress towards the ball to reduce any through-ball gaps. Sokratis is the man to look out for, with his good heading ability. The attack is based on Samaras’s flair and his finishing. He has evolved quite a lot over the years.

For a team who are known to give their everything against a background of their country being in a monetary mess, they play as one. Attack as one, defend as one. That might be the turning point of the whole game.

STRENGTHS:

Their strength lies in the fact that they don’t give up. Evidence- The last minute winner against Ivory Coast. Their defense is also strong.

WEAKNESS:

Their attacking is quite dull. They haven’t shown much creativity apart from a spark or two over the three games.

KEY MAN:

Samaras is the key man. He holds the key to creativity and flair in this flat side and might create the few chances they can take.

Samaras – At the helm.

KEY PLAYER BATLES

Joel Campbell vs Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Sokratis – Rock Solid.

Joel Campbell’s sheer pace against the wall of Sokratis. Campbell himself playing for Olympiacos on loan is well known to the Greeks. He likes to drift himself towards the inside, making him face straight against the Dortmund defender.Campbell,against Uruguay, made nine take-ons and subsequently scored a goal along with claiming an assist. He wasn’t so good in his other matches though. On the other hand, Papastathopoulos made three interceptions and six clearances against Cote d’Ivoire in his best match of the tournament.

Campbell – Brimming with firepower.

Christian Gamboa vs Jose Holebas

Costa Rica have their game based on counter attacks, mainly from their wing backs. Gamboa has caused quite some trouble. Greece has their own Gamboa in Holebas. It would be interesting to see who would turn out to be the more critical.

PREDICTED LINE UP

Costa Rica (4-5-1): Navas; Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz; Bolanos, Cubero, Ruiz, Tejeda; Campbell.
Greece (4-2-3-1): Glykos; Maniatis, Manolas, Sokratis, Holebas: Karagounis, Katsouranis; Salpingidis, Chritodoulopoulos, Samaras; Mitroglou.

Pinto and Santos – Both in dreamland.

VERDICT AND PREDICTION

Looking at the recent form, Costa Rica seem to be the better team. Their attack has actually stung whereas the infamous Greek defense has failed to stand to it’s claims. Also, Costa Rica have just conceded a single goal, that too being a penalty. It would be really hard for the flat Greek side to find a chink or a flaw in their defense and capitalize on it.

I would go for a 2-0 win for Costa Rica.

MATCH 23 – An Eventless Affair

MATCH 23  – GROUP C

JAPAN        0-0          GREECE

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Red Cards

GRE: Katsouranis 38′;

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Venue : Estadio das Dunas, Natal

Referee : Joel Aguilar (El Salvador)

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TEAM LINE-UPS

Japan: Kawashima, Uchida, Konno, Yoshida, Nagatomo, Yamaguchi, Hasebe (Endo 46), Okazaki, Honda, Okubo, Osako (Kagawa 57).
(Manager: Alberto Zaccheroni)

Greece: Karnezis, Torosidis, Papastathopoulos, Manolas, Holebas, Maniatis, Katsouranis, Kone (Salpingidis 81), Fetfatzidis (Karagounis 41), Mitroglou (Gekas 35), Samaras.
(Manager: Fernando Santos)

THE MATCH

Katsouranis – Captain Irresponsible.

MATCH 5 – Greeks Conquered

MATCH 5  – GROUP C

   COLOMBIA          3-0          GREECE

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Goals-

COL: Armero 5′, Gutierrez 58′, Rodriguez 90’+3;

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Venue : Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte

Referee : Mark Geiger (USA)

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The World Cup has officially started for group C as the first match between Colombia and Greece took place at the Estádio Mineirão stadium(The beautiful Horizon)  at Bela Horizonte.This match was a clear clash between the dangerous attack of the coffee growers against the mighty defence of the Spartans. With their star striker Radamel Falcao out of the tournament, many considered Colombia to be a dampened side, especially after considering the fact that Greece hasn’t had any major injuries.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Colombia: Ospina, Zuniga, Zapata, Yepes, Armero (Arias 73), Sanchez Moreno, Aguilar (Mejia 68), Rodriguez, Cuadrado, Gutierrez (Martinez 76), Ibarbo;

Greece: Karnezis, Manolas, Torosidis, Papastathopoulos, Holebas, Maniatis, Katsouranis, Kone (Karagounis 78), Salpingidis (Fetfatzidis 56), Gekas (Mitroglou 63), Samaras;

 

THE MATCH

The crowd was a loud and strong sea of yellow as the match kicked off, over-dominating their blue Greece counterparts. The scene was similar on the grass, where the Colombians were running over the Greek defense at the initial stages of the game. The greeks tried to play deep on their defense. Sooner than later, Defender Pablo Armero put the cheeky ball home right in the 5th minute, following a dummy shot by Rodriguez on a Cuadrado ball inside the box. The shot from Armero was deflected by the Greek defender Manolas before sneaking into the bottom-left corner. It was Quite a shocker considering that Greece has had 8 clean sheets in the past 10 games!

Armero – Starts the Coffees surge. Colombia 1-0 Greece.

Greece had a chance soon after, but Kone dissapointed the fans as he shot wide from the edge. The game continued with Colombia attacking relentlessly, and Greece playing a uncanny high line defense. Greece got another chance in the 26′ but the fullback Torisidis headed a free-kick off target. Slowly, Greece started to take control of proceedings and kept possession. A brilliant shot by Kone forced a brilliant save by the Colombian keeper Ospina right before the half time whistle.

Pekerman apparently had a good pep talk in the half-time break as Colombia started to take over the game soon after the second half started, pushing for a second conclusive goal. They found their need in the 58′ when Gutierez put the ball into the net from a corner by the Monaco winger James Rodriguez, after a small flick by Abel Aguilar.

Gutierrez – Doubling the lead. Colombia 2-0 Greece.

Luck favored the Colombians as the Greek striker Gekas hit the crossbar after a ball in by Torisidis. This continued through out the game as most of the shots were either weak or off target by the Greeks. Gekas was immediately substituted by Mitroglou, but that brought little change.

Colombia finished their easy win over the greeks with a cool finish by James Rodiguez who tapped in the ball behind a distraught Karnezis. The game ended a welcoming 3-0 as they jump their way to the top of the table.

James Rodriguez – Nail in the Greek coffin.
Colombia 3-0 Greece.

 

CONCLUSIONS

The game was clear as soon as it started. Greeks were lacking the flair, the creativity and the one touch., which the Colombians possessed and used against them in the match. Cuadrado, the wonder-kid started showing his class by taking many runs through the side wings and putting a platitude of balls in, some of them converted and many of them blocked. James Rodriguez, though playing a pivotal role in the Colombian team didn’t stand up to what he is capable of, mostly because of the lack of Falcao, which would have allowed him to come to the center and have a more dangerous role. On the defensive side, they tactically employed a man-to-man marking system to keep the greek strikers at bay, knowing that they had little flair. Colombia didn’t do much wrong in the game. They can slightly improved their central midfield, but the team looks quite geared up to face the other contenders in the group.

Greece on the other hand, played like the defensive team it always has been. Sometimes with over 6 players in the back-line they were hardly attacking. And even when they did, they often lost the ball in the final half on either interceptions or unforced mistakes. They appeared quite clueless on the attacking third, with the exception of Samaras who was the pivot of the team, passing the ball and demanding it back. He ensured that Greece had meaningful attacks, himself taking a few shots on target. The game later got better when Karagounis was subbed in and the pair of Karagounis and Samaras started taking shape. But it was already too late for them. The Greek defense were not their usual self. They let balls through, weren’t able to man-mark properly, quite unlike what they were a few years ago. Now they look just like a shadow of the 2004 Euro winning side. Greece has to pep up it’s defense and maybe add some spice to their attack, and soon, i.e if they want to qualify into the knock out stages.

GROUP C – Wide Open

GROUP C

Colombia

Greece

Côte d’Ivoire

Japan

 

OUTLOOK

Most fans would consider this to be the most boring group of the lot. But we know better, don’t we? Looking over at each of the teams, we can easily consider this to be the most unpredictable. All though they have never played each other in the previous editions, none of them can afford to be complacent. With the likes of Didier Drogba, Shinji Kagawa, James Rodriguez and more, we can expect explosive play.

Lets take a look at how each of these teams have shaped up, with analysis strengths, weaknesses and whom to watch out for.

 

 

COLOMBIA

 

 

Nickname : Los Cafeteros (The Coffee Growers)

FIFA Ranking : 8

Not having much success in the previous editions of the world cup, they were considered to have the best team they have ever produced yet. Having a strong attack, most fans considered them to top the league., beating Uruguay 4-0 and Chile 3-1 in the qualification round. Will the Coffees live up?

Manager : José Pékerman

He might not be famous but he knows his stuff. Having coached Argentina youth to  victory in the FIFA World youth championship 3 times, he knows what the situation demands and what can be expected and hence bringing the attacking style instead of the defensive style they have had been following. Having coached his entire life in the South American continent can come to their advantage. But having no practical experience outside might cost them dearly.

Formation :

Generally playing a 5-3-2 or a 4-2-2-2 formation, they push their full backs ahead, while their wingers often come in running  when in possession. They often find themselves out of their position and prone to counter attacks, but when they have the ball they are a joy to watch.

Team :

Their goalkeeper Ospina along with the defence line seems  moderately-stable, considering the Milan duo of Zapata and Yepes. Yet their age is against them, lacking the reactions required or their fading strength. Armero and Zuniga provide the width and the push as full-backs but often go out of position. Krimen has to make sure they don’t give out too much space.

The midfield in the center is, although experienced internationally, but lacks the flair required at the level they are playing in even with the Internazniole midfielder Guarin playing center. It is very well compensated by the amazing wing force of Cuadrado and Rodriguez who love to throw and run balls in. The wingers with their speed and agility are the strong part of the midfield.

They must be clearly feeling the loss of Falcao, their star striker. But all is not over! With Jackson Martinez having a terrific time at Porto, he now has to step up to meet the odds. He would be assisted by Gutierez, though we would like to see the new Borrusia Dortmund signing Adrian Ramos show his skill.

Young Players to look out for :

Santiago Arias, Eder Alvarez Balanta.

James Rodriguez – Lead Coffee Grower

Colombia Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), Camilo Vargas (Santa Fe).

Defenders: Camilo Zuniga (Napoli), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Mario Alberto Yepes (Atalanta), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Pablo Armero (West Ham), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo).

Midfielders: Alex Mejia (Atletico Nacional), Freddy Guarin (Inter), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Aldo Leao Ramirez (Morelia), Carlos Sanchez (Elche), Juan Quintero (Porto), Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), James Rodriguez (Monaco).

Forwards: Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Vctor Ibarbo (Cagliari), Adrian Ramos (Herta Berlin).

 

 

 

GREECE

 

 

Nickname : To Piratiko (The Pirate Ship)

FIFA Ranking : 12

The 2004 Euro cup winners have long lost their shine in the international arena. But that doesn’t make them any less easier in the group. While their nation suffers under a financial crisis, the team is known to play united, fighting against the odds. Will their spirits be enough for them to see the group through?

Manager : Fernando Santos

Do not make the mistake of him being a Portuguese fool you. His knowledge of Greek football is profound and well, the reason why the club has consistently been holding its FIFA rank 10 until a few weeks ago. He specializes in tactical play rather than building the team around a single player. He is a manager of discipline and prefers his team to stay so. Statistics do add up. Least goals conceded in qualifications, none on home soil.

Fun Fact: He is an Electrical and Telecommunication Engineer!

Formation :

They play a 4-4-2 diamond style formation. The back four rarely contribute to the attack, while the diamond midfield formation ensures that there is minimum gap between the defenders and the midfield, leading to a transition-less pass play. The flair of the midfield might see them through to the attacking half, playing almost completely through the center of the pitch.

The Team :

The strongest defense in the group, not by name but by play. Their whole game-play starts slowly from the defense and builds itself up, while the defensive 4 stand like a rock, not giving away position to get flanked or penetrated through by a fast through ball or a target-man cross.  Manolas and Sokratis might be their armour this time, having showed good form in their pre-matches.

The flair in the midfield sure exists. Karagounis plays as the center of the play whereas the winger pair of Samaras and Salpingidis often find themselves in the receiving end of the through balls and come towards the inside to pass the ball to the strikers or cross it in to Mitroglou. When Katsouranis runs ahead to support the striker, Either of Karagounis or Tziolis fall back to take his position so as to prevent a counter.

The attackers are quite interwoven with the mid-fielders as they often come deep to assist as well as add an offensive play to the midfield pass-play. On paper, this might be the weakest attack of the lot.

The team might not seem very impressive but their unity play-“play as one, attack as one” formula has seen them do wonders. Their never say die attitude is what kept them at where they are now and might act as the catalyst to them clearing the group!

 

Players To Look Out For :

Sokratis, Karagounis, Mitroglou.

Mitroglou – Heading the Greek Empire

Greece Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis (Granada), Panagiotis Glykos (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos).

Defenders: Vassilis Torosidis (Roma), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Costas Manolas (Olympiakos), Vangelis Moras (Hellas Verona), Jose Holebas (Olympiakos), Giorgos Tzavellas (PAOK), Yiannis Maniatis (Olympiakos).

Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Andreas Samaris (Olympiakos), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna), Yiannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna).

Forwards: Georgios Samaras (Celtic), Kostas Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor), Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK).

 

 

 

CÔTE D’IVOIRE (Ivory Coast)

 

Nickname : Les Éléphants (The Elephants)

FIFA Ranking : 23

The aging but star studded side of Côte d’Ivoire can upset quite a few this time around. Weather not being a problem for this team, they topped their qualifying group easily. Their strong attack and midfield might just be too much for some teams to handle.

Manager: Sabri Lamouchi

Almost the African version of Pep Guardiola, he plays with the sophistication in his tactics which we don’t generally see. He was chosen to replace Francois Zahui 5 days before the first qualifier. It would be interesting to see him play out his team, as he is facing criticism and might be fired if they don’t make it through to the next round.

Formation:

They play a 4-3-3 formation, where in the central striker position is very well reserved for Drogba. The 2 mid-fielders with the vision of the in-form captain Yaya Toure and the Newcastle Midfielder Tiote provide balls to the wings were in the pair of Solomon Kalou and the rejuvenated Gervinho(Yes, him) play the dangerous attack they always have had. They generally play either way, that is through the center and the wings, but their flank play pays them better results.

Team:

The defence is the shaky part of the elephants. Their goalkeeper Boubacar Barry isn’t one of the best around. And just look at the defence. Kolo Toure, long past his prime, Zokora has to manage the defense himself. He has been consistent, but has been known to move away from position. Similar is the case with Arthur Boka, though Aurier might provide the much needed energy in the aging defence.

The midfield in the center is the star of this team. Yaya Toure will be the  play-maker of the team.Considering his form, there’s no doubt the team will be built about his a-la-carte choices of passing. Along with Gervinho who has been playing good ever since in Roma and  Kalou out wide. If they play their tactics well, Yaya can run through brilliant balls to his faster team-mates.

The attack is maybe their strongest part with the old but gold Drogba and Wilfred Bony. Both of them, known for their sheer physicality can beat through the defenses, if only slightly faster. Without the obvious incoming through balls from the midfield though, their attack would be rather dull, a point which opponents would obviously look out for

Young Players to look out for:

Serge Aurier

Yaya – Good luck knocking him down!

Côte d’Ivoire Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Barry (Lokeren), Gbohouo (Sewe Sport), Mande (Stabaek).

Defenders: Aurier (Toulouse), Akpa-Akpro (Toulouse), Zokora (Trabzonspor), K Touré (Liverpool), Bamba (Trabzonspor), Boka (Stuttgart), Djakpa (Frankfurt), Diarrassouba (Caykur Rizespor).

Midfielders: Tioté (Newcastle), Serey (Basel), Diomandé (St Étienne), Konan (Hanover), Y Touré (Manchester City), Gradel (St Étienne).

Forwards: Drogba (Galatasaray), Bony (Swansea), Gervinho (Roma), Kalou (Lille), Sio (Basel), Bolly (Fortuna Düsseldorf).

 

 

 

JAPAN

 

Nickname : Blue Samurai

FIFA Ranking : 46

The Japanese have been considered the strongest team from Asia this time. They have only been growing stronger and fans consider them having a possibility of reaching quarters, atleast. Let’s see if they can stand up to their fans’ claims?

Manager: Alberto Zaccheroni

The Italian was brought in to replace Takeshi Okada,maybe to change the held back approach the latter used.  Alberto identified the strength of the team in its fluidic midfield and sought to improve it, creating a new set which took European clubs by a wave. His attacking play is considered his stronghold and might create tensions for older defenses.

Formation:

They play a 4-2-3-1/3-4-3 formation, Kaysuke Honda taking the single striker,often lying deep. The 2 midfielders along with Honda hold the ball till the explosive fullback pair of Nagatomo and.Uchida run to put the ball in. Also, the midfield pair has enough talent themselves to make a path through most defenses, if not all.

Team:

The defence, like almost every other team in the group is the weak link for the samurais. The full-backs often run farther ahead to contribute to the attack. This leaves them prone to counters considering either fullback don’t trackback much. The center backs are not the best of the lot. The team has done extremely well when on the opponent half of the field, but under pressure  shatters like glass.

The midfield is fluidic and fast. They play a passing and through ball game, but also push the balls to the wings for the fullbacks to take over when countering. Kagawa, Honda and Okasaki play the triangular style short passing. They are the driving force in the team keeping the ball in the offensive half. Kagawa would be the decisive member of this Japanese team. His ‘false-9’ movement might create some spaces which can be utilized very well, while drifting to the wings if and when required.

Their attack is based solely around Honda who often breaks through the offside trap to find himself in clear positions for crosses. As a target man, he is real good at his job and has found the net several times for his club.Even so, Osako plays as the main striker and often pushes himself ahead when Honda drops himself back.

Young Players to look out for:

Hotaru Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Kiyotake

Samurai Kagawa

Japan Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege), Shusaku Nishikawa (Urawa Reds), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo)

Defenders: Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover), Gotoku Sakai (Stuttgart)

Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Makoto Hasebe (Nuremberg), Toshihiro Aoyama (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka)

Forwards: Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale), Shinji Okazaki (Mainz), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United), Hiroshi Kiyotake (Nuremberg), Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka), Manabu Saito (Yokohama F Marinos), Yuya Osako (1860 Munich)