Japan coach Zico has called for striker Keiji Tamada and midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara to stand up and be counted after confirming they will start in Wednesday night's crucial World Cup qualifier against North Korea in Saitama.
Shunsuke Nakamura shoots the ball during practice at Saitama Stadium prior to Japan's World Cup Asian qualifier against North Korea.
The Brazilian coach has decided to start in-form Kashiwa marksman Tamada and Kashima playmaker Ogasawara ahead of first-team regulars Naohiro Takahara of Hamburg SV and Asian Cup Player of the Tournament Shunsuke Nakamura.
"They (Ogasawara and Tamada) are starting tomorrow's match because they have earned it by playing so well in the last two games," Zico told a news conference on the eve of Japan's opening Asian zone Group B clash.