Bolton Wanderers midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata believes Japan has the potential to get through a tricky first-round group and go all the way to the final and win the 2006 World Cup.
Few expect Japan to pose a serious threat in Germany this summer but when asked if he thought Japan had a realistic chance of pulling off a major shock and winning the final, Nakata said "of course there is a possibility."
"We are going to play at the World Cup, and as long as we are in it there is a possibility (of winning it). Anything can happen," the former Perugia, Roma and Bologna playmaker said on the eve of Japan's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dortmund on Tuesday.
Nakata, who was scheduled to play his first match of the year for the national team against Bosnia, added that he thought Japan would benefit from playing Tuesday's match at the same World Cup venue it will face holder Brazil in its final group-stage game.
"Of course this match provides us with an opportunity to see what we need to work on, but it is good to have the match at a stadium we will be playing together in at the World Cup," said Nakata.
"It will be important to get a taste of the atmosphere and to be playing against a team that has a similar style to Croatia is also a plus."