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.

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