Position: Forward
Born: 27.05.77
Club: Messina

Atsushi Yanagisawa's slight frame makes him a neat dribbler but it also belies a powerful aerial ability which has proved a useful source of goals for Zico's team in recent years.

The Messina striker has won well over 50 caps and would be assured of his place in the side by now if not for a lack of consistency. Yanagisawa has never been prolific himself, always more of a provider than a goal poacher.

But when he is not on top of his game, goals tend to dry up for Japan all over the park - and the target man is therefore usually first in the firing line when changes need to be made.

Yanagisawa is expected to get the nod to partner Naohiro Takahara when Japan kick off their World Cup challenge against Australia but he could be the first to make way if results are unfavourable.