Japan Tickets

2014 FIFA World Cup has been put on a countdown, with the clock ticking on its official website. Brazil, the hosts for the 20^th World Cup, is ready with the preparations and has even announced the official song. Titled "We Are One (Ole Ola)", it has been sung in three languages; Spanish, English and Portugese. Hip-hop artist, Pitbull has taken the lead on this one and the song will also feature Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte. The full schedule has been announced, groups have been set and the warm up matches are already taking place. Like all other teams, Japan is also in the process of finalizing its lineup and will be testing the players in the upcoming friendly games.

After playing its warm up matches against Zambia and Costa Rica, Japan will start the tournament by taking on Côte d'Ivoire on 14^th June. Placed in Group C, Japan will also be playing against Colombia and Greece. Japan vs. Colombia has been scheduled for 24^th June at the Arena Pantanal and its faceoff with Greece will be on the 19^th June at Arena Pernambuco. Japan tickets for the pool matches are selling in advance. The team's manager, Alberto Zaccheroni has called the warm up games equally important as they will prepare them for the challenges ahead. He stated, "These two games will be extremely important when we bear in mind what kind of teams we will be up against at the World Cup."

In Italy, Zaccheroni is considered a legend as he has managed two Milan clubs, Lazio and Juventus for almost 27 years. Now as Japan's manager in 2014 World Cup, he's looking to utilize the team's underrated attack and the players' potential. The team is already being praised for its attacking style, which it displayed at the 2013 Confederations Cup. Although it lost to Italy 4-3 but the side conceded a winner at the 89^th minute, which was considered a stunner. Japan's World Cup record is not that great as it has only made it to as far as the 16^th round. However, this time it is looking to extend its run in the tournament and with star players like Kagawa in the side, fans have high hopes.

Kagawa will be leading Japan in attack. His sharp movement in the field and exceptional technique will be the key for the side. He has been praised for his composure and quick decision making that has changed the outcome of the game in the last minutes. Will he be able to pull off stunners in World Cup? It's a wait and watch. Team Japan will not only be heading into the World Cup with a revamped side, but also with its celebrity mascot, Pikachu. The famous Nintendo character, he will be accompanying the team to Brazil along with the other Pokemon. Let's see if he will bring Japan luck and help the team advance in the final stages.