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World Cup 2018 power rankings

By James Dudko

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – MAY 30: Shinji Kagawa of Japan looks on during the international friendly match between Japan and Ghana at Nissan Stadium on May 30, 2018 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – MAY 30: Shinji Kagawa of Japan looks on during the international friendly match between Japan and Ghana at Nissan Stadium on May 30, 2018 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images) /

20. Japan

There is ample intelligence, flair and competence in the Japan midfield. It’s a group defined by technical accomplishment in the final third.

Shinji Kagawa embodies the latter quality more than most. Still a star at Borussia Dortmund, the cerebral 29-year-old will be the heartbeat of this team.

Fortunately for Japan, Kagawa won’t be alone in his endeavors. Instead, he’ll be able to count on the support of tricky forward Keisuke Honda, while Eibar winger Takashi Inui is another creative type who can decide matches.

Leicester’s Shinji Okazaki is a tireless runner who understands space well, and while he’s never been prolific at club level, he averages almost a goal every other game for Japan. That number is boosted by a lot of games against a week CAF federation, though. He’s scored only two World Cup goals across two tournaments.

Japan won’t have an easy time alongside Colombia, Poland and Senegal in Group H. However, there’s enough ability here to believe this squad can spring a surprise or two.

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