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The AFC.comKing Kazu comes backWednesday, 26 September 2012Tokyo: The inclusion of the legendary Kazuyoshi Miura in Japan's Futsal World Cup 2012 squad may provide a massive boost to the sport both in Japan and internationally.
The 45-year-old Miura, who was dubbed "King Kazu" in Japan, is still actively playing for J. League second division (J2) side Yokohama FC. He had been asked by Japan futsal national team coach Miguel Rodrigo to take part in November 1-18’s FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand.
Miura made a one-match cameo for Espolada Hokkaido in the Japanese Futsal League in January and thus created the history in Japan by becoming the oldest to have ever played in the J-League and F-League.
In just a game, he has captured the attention of Spanish Rodrigo. However, this doesn't surprise AFC Futsal Director Ali Targholizade, the first AFC Professional Coaching Licence holder from Iran.
"The evergreen Kazu is arguably the most popular and best Japanese football player of all time,” he said. “His selection to the 16-member provisional squad has given Asian and world futsal a shot in the arm, personally, I am thrilled when I heard about this blockbuster news. I hope he can make the cut to the final 14."
"For me, Kazu is the biggest name in Asian football, alongside Iranian compatriot Ali Daei. But the difference between them is, Kazu is still playing actively on field. I am amazed because he looks and plays like a 25-year-old rather than a veteran who in the twilight of his career. His passion for the game has no doubt positively influenced Asian and world football and futsal as a whole."
Targholizade, who led AFC MA and Club Futsal Development Assessment Visit to Japan recently, hoped it will be second time lucky for Miura, who blazed a trail for Japanese players when he joined Italy's Genoa in 1994.
He was axed from the national side by former coach Takeshi Okada before the country's first World Cup appearance in 1998, sparking national debate.
Yet, the year-end tournament in Thailand could be the last chance for him to finally play in a World Cup at the ripe old age of 45, albeit in the Futsal version.
"I have no worries at all for Kazu, who takes care himself well and is still physically fit,” added Targholizade. “I believe that he can adapt to futsal without much problem because he is such an experienced, positive and intelligent player. Japan’s futsal national team will benefit from his gifted skills and undoubted quality, while his participation will also shed more limelight on futsal in Japan, Asia and the world."
Japan, AFC Futsal Champions, as well as football's AFC Asian Cup holders, have been drawn with mighty Brazil, European superpowers Portugal and Africa’s Libya in Group C of FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012.
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
