Japan sacking Halilhodzic means veteran stars must guide team
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Ian Darke leads the ESPN panel in predicting the 2018 World Cup winner with names of Germany, Brazil, France and England among the list.
The 2018 World Cup is just over a month away, and all 32 teams are preparing in earnest for their shot at the trophy in Russia. ESPN FC is previewing every team ahead of the opening game on June 14. Find all 32 teams here.
Who they are
Captain: Makoto Hasebe
Manager: Akira Nishino
Nickname: Samurai Blue
FIFA Rank (as of April 12, 2018): 60
How they qualified
Despite a turbulent campaign, Japan won their group in Asian qualifying to secure their place at the finals, finishing ahead...
The 2018 World Cup is just over a month away, and all 32 teams are preparing in earnest for their shot at the trophy in Russia. ESPN FC is previewing every team ahead of the opening game on June 14. Find all 32 teams here.
Who they are
Captain: Makoto Hasebe
Manager: Akira Nishino
Nickname: Samurai Blue
FIFA Rank (as of April 12, 2018): 60
How they qualified
Despite a turbulent campaign, Japan won their group in Asian qualifying to secure their place at the finals, finishing ahead...