Seiji Hirao played in three World Cups and saw a fourth as Japan's head coach. He was also a superstar in his home country.

Japan’s preparations for their World Cup opener against Cameroon next Monday have been dealt a fresh blow after Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe was taken to hospital after picking up an injury during training.

FENERBAHCE coach Zico has claimed that tonight’s Champions League opponents Chelsea were affected by ‘negative pressure’ during the quarter-final first-leg defeat in Istanbul last week.

A ground-breaking international against Japan is likely to be one of the many benefits for the FAI from Ireland's World Cup adventure in Asia.