Eight years ago, Kawashima was selected into the Japan squad as a backup to Seigo Narazaki. With the competition kicking off, though, he emerged as the surprise starting goalkeeper in preference to the first-choice custodian due to some standout performances during pre-tournament friendlies.

He duly seized the opportunities, excelling throughout as the Samurai Blue progressed from a group which also featured the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon.

That marked Japan’s first time in reaching the second round on foreign soil. While it’s certainly an achievement to be proud of, it was their loss against Paraguay in the second round meeting that leaves Kawashima still lamenting today.

In fact, Kawashima and company impressed against the South Americans by holding them goalless after 120 minutes, only to lose out 5-3 in the penalty shoot-out.

"We were so disappointed by the result in 2010," the 35-year-old said. "We came so close to reaching the last eight. But in the end we missed the chance. Looking back, I think that some details made the difference and decided the result."

The Koreans exited in the first round of the 2014 tournament in Brazil and have their work cut out to avoid the same fate in Russia, where they have been drawn alongside holders Germany, Sweden and Mexico.

But they boast genuine star quality in snake-hipped Tottenham attacker Son, who lit up the Premier League this season, helping Spurs finish third and secure a UEFA Champions League place.

One of the best players to emerge from Asia, the 25-year-old scored 18 goals in all competitions in a brilliant campaign with the London club and once again carries the hopes of a nation heading into the FIFA World Cup.

The former JFA technical director, who took charge from Vahid Halilhodzic last month, signalled his intentions by turning to his old guard, including talismanic forward Keisuke Honda and playmaker Shinji Kagawa.

Japan, beaten 2-0 by Ghana on Wednesday in Nishino's first game as coach, face Colombia, Senegal and Poland in Group H at the World Cup.

Forward Shinji Okazaki (pictured below), who has won an English Premier League title with Leicester City, and defenders Yuto Nagatomo and Maya Yoshida will also bring experience.

It was the only goal in Saudi Arabia's 1-0 qualifying win against Japan but it was enough to secure the side a place in the Finals for the first time in 12 years. 

It was a heady moment for the 23-year-old, originally a substitute, who was feted as a national hero at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. 

Since then the Al-Ittihad midfielder, who grew up in the port city of Jeddah, has emerged as one of the kingdom's brightest young talents, and was among key players sent off to Spain to hone their skills for the second half of this season.

With just one lead up game before four players learn their fate – against the Czech Republic on Friday – Risdon and his teammates have been pushing each other to the limits in training in a bid to earn a ticket to the FIFA World Cup.

“The squad is going to be cut down and I think that shows in training,” Risdon said.

“The intensity that everyone is willing to put in – it’s 110 percent – and it will be massive for whoever gets a chance (against the Czech Republic) to put their best foot forward to make sure they’re there in Russia.”

Thomas Partey put the visitors in front after just nine minutes in rain-lashed Yokohama before an Emmanuel Boateng penalty early in the second further dented Japan's hopes.

Thomas, who plays in Spain at Atletico Madrid, blasted a free-kick into the bottom corner after a foul by Tomoaki Makino on the edge of the box.

Japan's talisman Keisuke Honda twice went close at the other end, but Boateng stunned the home side by doubling Ghana's lead from the spot six minutes after halftime.

Ever since making their debut at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Japan have experienced many highs and lows over the years. Here are some of their best moments on the global stage in the five tournaments they have featured in since then:

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