Japan has grown into an Asian superpower in international soccer over the last few years. However, many have been waiting for the Samurais to take the next step and be contenders for the World Cup. Is this the year Japan finally makes the leap onto the world stage?

History

Japan's early World Cup history did not get off to a great start. During the first 60 years of the tournament, the team did not participate at all. The first appearance of Japan in a World Cup came in 1998 when it finished 31st with three losses, one goal scored and four conceded. Four years later, the nation was given the chance to host the tournament alongside South Korea and succeeded in getting out of the group stage. The team topped a group that included Russia, Belgium and Tunisia with a record of two wins and one draw. However, the Japanese lost to Turkey 1-0 in the round of 16. Four years later, the team imploded in the group round and finished 28th with zero wins, one draw and two losses. In 2010, Japan performed much better, with a second place finish in a group that included Denmark, Cameroon and the Netherlands. However, in the round of 16, Japan was ousted by Paraguay in the penalty shootout.

How Did They Get Here?

Japan's route to the World Cup was rather easy. The team was grouped with Australia, Jordan, Oman and Iraq in the group round and finished first with a record of five wins, two draws and one loss. The team scored 16 goals and conceded five times. However, after qualifying, Japan struggled in international play with three losses in the Confederations Cup and a host of underwhelming international friendly displays. It will be interesting to see how this team plays in the initial round of the World Cup and if it is able to regain its qualifying form.

Top Stars

Midfielder Keisuke Honda is the 10th best scorer in Japanese history with 20 goals in 53 appearances. At age 27, this may be his final World Cup as a major player but he has a history of big performances in the World Cup. He scored a tremendous free kick goal against Cameroon and supplied a goal and an assist in Japan's 3-1 win over Denmark. He earned two "Man of the Match" awards for both games. He also led Japan with five goals in the World Cup qualifiers.

Forward Shinji Okazaki, 28, is also a major scorer for Japan and has 38 goals in 73 games. He scored against Denmark in the 2010 World Cup, but started on the bench for all of Japan's games.

The other major player on the Japanese squad is Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa. The midfielder has struggled to get playing time with his current club but is arguably the most talented playmaker in the Japanese squad. He has 17 goals in 54 appearances for Japan. This will be the 25-year-old's first ever World Cup appearance.

Can They Get Out of the Group?

Japan was lucky to be seeded into one of the "easier" groups in the tournament. Colombia is a dark horse contender but has underperformed at this tournament historically. Greece is solid defensively, but lacks the offensive punch to truly be a dynamic contender. The Ivory Coast is another strong side with great individual players, but the African nation is not a great performer at this tournament historically either. This Japanese side has the speed and skill to make a run in the group and should finish second. Of course, the group is arguably evenly matched and it is possible that Japan will wind up finishing last as well.

Can They Win It All?

Not a chance. Even though Japan has some nice players and can get out of the group, it is unlikely that the Samurais top England, Italy or Uruguay in the round of 16. Expect a second or third place finish in the group at best, and a round of 16 exit if they get that far.