National team manager Akira Nishino on May 31 named his 23-man squad for this month's World Cup in Russia, aiming to at least draw each of Japan's first-round games against Colombia, Senegal and Poland.
The team includes veterans Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki — all of whom were in danger of missing out under previous manager Vahid Halilhodzic, who was fired over bad communication with players.
Japan's first World Cup match is against Colombia in Saransk on June 19. (The Japan Times)
西野朗監督は5月31日、サッカーワールドカップのロシア大会に臨む日本代表選手23人を発表した。日本の初戦は6月19日にサランスクで行なわれるコロンビア戦。
The Japan Times ST: June 15, 2018