Japan
(c) Picture F.I.H. - Vino John
Missing out on Olympic qualification at home (2nd after Germany), the Japanese will not want a repeat performance and will do their best to get the opportunity to compete in a major international competition in 2010.
14th on the World ranking, Japan has the potential to win this tournament. With 4 World Cup participations including the two latest, Japon has proved that it is a strong hockey nation.
They will have the privilege of opening the tournament with their match against Russia (Saturday October 31st at 11.30am). Then they play: Poland (Sunday November 1st at 1.30am), Italy (Tuesday November 3rd at 11.30am), Pakistan (Thursday November 5th at 1.30am) and France (Saturday November 7th at 3.00pm).
2008 and 2009 results:
- 5th at the Champion's Challenge II 2009
- 6th at the Asia Cup 2009
- 2nd at the Olympic Qualifier tournament 2008 (Kakamigahara, Japan)
