Japan captain Makoto Hasebe Friday backed veteran striker Yoshito Okubo’s surprise selection for the World Cup and said he could help inspire younger players. Okubo has played only once in the last four years under Alberto Zaccheroni and there were…
Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni believes his “love affair” with Japan will bear fruit at the World Cup after four roller-coaster years which has seen Asian Cup success but also intense criticism for reverses. The 61-year-old has been in charge of a…