Position: Midfielder
Born: 05.04.79
Club: Kashima Antlers

With the Japan side currently lacking a free-scoring striker, Mitsuo Ogasawara has proven to be a vital contributor of goals from midfield - many of them spectacular long-range efforts.

The Kashima Antlers star netted three times in qualifying, making him his country's joint leading scorer. Ogasawara has also proved to be a solid option under Zico, with his defensive qualities highly valued.

He may lack the flair and pace of players like Shunsuke Nakamura and Shinji Ono, but his passing range is arguably superior, making him an effective deep-lying playmaker.

Ogasawara came close to joining West Ham in January but the Premiership club ultimately decided not to hand him a deal. However, a successful World Cup could yet see him plying his trade in Europe.