Striker Seiichiro Maki was the center of attention as Japan arrived at the J-Village on Wednesday for its final training camp before departing for the World Cup finals in Germany.
Japan striker Seiichiro Maki arrives at the J-Village in Naraha, Fukushima
Pref., on Wednesday for the national team's final training camp before
departing for the World Cup finals in Germany.
Many fans wearing national team colors screamed Maki's name as a crowd of around 500 greeted the national team at the training facilities in Fukushima Prefecture.
Japan coach Zico sprang a surprise on Monday when he named Maki to his final 23-man squad for next month's finals, where Japan takes on Australia, Croatia and holder Brazil in the first round.
The 25-year-old, who has only played nine times for Japan, was given a dream ticket to the World Cup at the expense of Tatsuhiko Kubo, who Zico decided was not in good enough physical condition to take to Germany.
"I don't want to let all the people that have supported me down and I will battle for my country and do my best," said Maki.
All but three of Japan's squad -- Naohiro Takahara, Koji Nakata and Masashi Oguro -- arrived for the weeklong camp.
Japan leaves for Germany on May 26.
The Asian champion has friendlies lined up against the host nation and Malta before it plays play Australia in Kaiserslautern in its Group F opener on June 12.
