With the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in full swing, perennial powers Japan and Italy prepare to play their second matches in the tournament's Group A. Italy enjoyed early success in the tournament thanks to a 2-1 victory over a tough Mexican national team while Japan - who has already qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil - suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brazil.
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Japan was dominant in Asia's Group B of World Cup qualifying this year, solidifying their place at next summer's tournament by earning 17 points in 8 matches played, suffering only 1 loss on their way to the top spot in front of Australia and Jordan. While the Japanese nationals were finding success in their own qualifying stages, Italy continues to impress in Europe's Group B. Through 6 matches in Round 1 of qualifying, the 2006 World Cup champions have earned 14 points, 4 ahead of their closest competition from Bulgaria.
When and Where to Watch the CONFED Cup Match
Playing their second match in Group A of the Confederations Cup, Italy and Japan will meet on Wednesday, June 19th at 5:45pm, EDT. Followers of the teams and tournament can watch the match on ESPN television with pre-match coverage beginning at 5:00pm.
An on-line live stream will also be available through WatchESPN beginning at 5:45pm.
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Match Preview - Japan
Led by head coach Alberto Zaccheroni, a native of Meldola, Italy, Japan certainly possesses the skill to take down an extremely talented Italy squad. Shinji Okazaki leads the Japanese team in goal scoring with 8 total tallies in 14 matches played. A member of the Japanese national team since 2008, the 27-year-old forward has recorded 33 tallies in 64 career international matches, making him one of the most accomplished players around the globe.
Along with Shinji Kagawa (4 goals in 11 matches), the Japanese nationals have a formidable scoring duo capable of competing on the grandest of stages but in order to avoid a possible early CONFED Cup exit, this tandem will need to be on point against a very strong Italy unit. The good news for Japan is that no matter what happens in their Wednesday match against Italy, they'll still make an appearance at next summer's Brazil games where they will be expected by many to make a strong run in the tournament.
Makoto Hasebe, Japan defensive midfielder and on-field captain for the national team during the 2010 World Cup, is happy with the fact that Japan has already locked up a WC berth and notes that his team will use the Confederation Cup to get acclimated to the various Brazilian locations.
"It's obviously magnificent and we're proud we already have our ticket to the World Cup," Hasebe said to reporters. "So at the moment, this is a dress rehearsal for us, as we get used to the climate, the stadiums and the general environment in a competitive situation. It could give us an edge."
Match Preview - Italy
While Japan enters the upcoming match coming off a brutal 3-0 defeat, Italy is riding a wave of solid momentum into Wednesday evening's contest. Upending El Tri 2-1 thanks to tallies in each half from Andrea Pirlo (27') and superstar Mario Balotelli (78'), Italy seems poised to continue their strong play since a win over Japan would aid them in advancing to the CONFED Cup semifinals.
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Participating in 3 international matches with the Italian national team, Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo lead the squad in goals with 3 apiece. Add in strong play from Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Riccardo Montolivo and Italy becomes one of the favorites to make a strong push in the 2013 CONFED Cup and 2014 World Cup. If they can find the same scoring balance they had against Mexico and the ability to contain Japan's goal-scorers much the same way they did with Mexican superstar Chicharito, Italy should have no problem moving on even if Japan enters the match with an extra days rest.
"Japan will have the slight edge I think because they have an extra day of rest," Italian head coach Cesare Prandelli said. "Plus, Alberto knows us very well, he knows how we work. I expect him to prepare a trap for us. From tonight, we will begin planning for the Japan game. I trust that he will come up with an interesting strategy against us."
Wrap-Up
Italy will be playing for the right to advance to the semifinals while Japan fights to stay alive in Group A. No matter the outcome, expect this match between Italy and Japan to be an entertaining one for 90-plus minutes.
Be sure to catch all the action on Wednesday, June 19th at 5:45pm, EDT on ESPN television. The pregame show begins at 5:00pm while an on-line live stream will also be available through WatchESPN.
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