Kagawa strikes as Japan notches first win ever over France

PARIS — Shinji Kagawa struck in the dying minutes as Japan defeated France for the first time 1-0 at the Stade de France on Friday night.

In the 88th minute on a counterattack led by Yasuyuki Konno, Manchester United midfielder Kagawa finished off a cross by Yuto Nagatomo to give Japan its first win against Les Bleus in six meetings.

Previously, Japan had lost four and drawn once to France. The two teams last played at the 2003 Confederations Cup where the French won 2-1.

"It was a team effort," Kagawa said. "I just happened to be the one who scored from a great counter made by the entire team."

Kagawa, though, said Japan still has a lot of catching up to do with the elite in world soccer.

The Asian champions had a quiet first half and had it not been for another outstanding performance in goal by Eiji Kawashima, could have been embarrassed by the hosts, who only played Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for the first half and Bayern Munich's majestic Franck Ribery the last 20 minutes.

Alberto Zaccheroni's side next plays Brazil — another team Japan has yet to beat — on Tuesday in Wroclaw, Poland, to wrap up its European tour.

"We've got to do much better," Kagawa said. "Every player on the team has to play with more confidence. They could have had us because there were moments when we were completely exposed."

"(Brazil) are a more technical side than the team we played today. But I think we can be encouraged by the fact that our defense didn't concede, even though we were on our heels for large parts of the game."

Japan fought an uphill battle with Keisuke Honda, nursing a bruised right calf, on the bench and first-choice striker Ryoichi Maeda having been shipped home earlier in the week also with injury.

"It's a very good result," Zaccheroni said. "We were a bit shy in the first half but I thought we came out of our shell in the second.

"We moved the ball around well, found space and had some good moments."

LONDON — World and European champion Spain romped to a 24th straight qualifying win on Friday, although no one in the country was able to see it.

Pedro Rodriguez scored a hat trick as the world's best team routed host Belarus 4-0 in one of a group of big wins for Europe's leading nations in 2014 World Cup qualifying.

Yet celebrations were muted in the debt-ridden country after no broadcaster paid to televise the national team's match for the first time in 29 years.

Spain's wasn't the most convincing win of the third round of regional qualifiers, with Germany handing Ireland its worst loss since 1971, 6-1 at Dublin.

Wayne Rooney celebrated being handed the temporary England captaincy by scoring twice in a routine 5-0 win over San Marino, taking his goal total in international matches to 31, fifth on the country's all-time list.

But Italy was again unconvincing in beating Armenia 3-1, and the Netherlands managed only a comfortable 3-0 win over Andorra, which is 201st in the rankings.

However, Euro 2012 semifinalist Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, couldn't make the most of its dominance against Russia and lost 1-0 in a match between the top two teams in Group F.

Belgium enhanced its burgeoning reputation as a growing force in Europe with a 3-0 win in Serbia.

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Kagawa to head to Manchester for physical

New Manchester United acquisition Shinji Kagawa was set to depart for England on Thursday to undergo a physical.

Earlier in the day, the Japan midfielder visited a primary school in Sendai that was damaged in last year's earthquake and tsunami, and played with the students.

"Do what you can to hold on to a dream and pursue it," the 23-year-old, who played youth soccer in Sendai, told the children.

Kagawa was taking part in a three-day project to assist in the rebuilding of the disaster-hit area by meeting primary school children in Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures.

He is scheduled to have a medical exam on Friday in Manchester and return to Japan on Saturday.

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Kagawa to join Manchester United

Shinji Kagawa's long-awaited move to Manchester United finally happened after the Premier League giant announced Tuesday it had come to terms with Borussia Dortmund on a transfer for the Japan midfielder.

It is the biggest transfer ever by a Japanese player, and perhaps even by an Asian player. The fee, depending on Kagawa's performance at Old Trafford, could reach as high as ?22 million, according to the latest reports from Germany.

The deal is subject to a medical and the issuance of a work permit. Both are expected to be completed by the end of June, United said through a statement.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed (to) terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club," United said.

However, Kagawa, who is currently on national team duty for the World Cup qualifiers, was not expecting the announcement to be made as he trained for Friday's match at home to Jordan, and refused to go into details.

Appearing slightly annoyed by the situation, Kagawa did not take questions. He initially did not want to meet the press, but the Japan Football Association convinced him to at least say something.

"I haven't put pen to paper yet," Kagawa said. "We still have two more games to play, and the entire team is focused on these qualifiers.

"I'll talk about all of this once I'm done here. I hope people will understand."

His teammates, though, showered him with words of congratulations.

"Shinji deserves to be playing for a top club. He belongs," CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda said. "I hope he does well."

Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has no doubt Kagawa will succeed in the Premiership, and will not take a backseat even at Alex Ferguson's star-studded club.

"Kagawa can keep the ball in the smallest of spaces and is a quick decision-maker," Miyaichi told Kyodo News. "He can play there for sure.

"He's Japan's No. 10, and I think he'll be able to perform even at a glamorous side like Manchester United."

Kagawa had been linked with the world's biggest club like European champions Chelsea, Arsenal and AC Milan, although the Premier League was always his preferred destination.

The 23-year-old was instrumental in helping Dortmund win back-to-back Bundesliga titles, and is also an integral part of Alberto Zaccheroni's plans for Asian champion Japan.

Kagawa failed to make Takeshi Okada's team for the 2010 World Cup, but his stock took off after transferring from the J. League's Cerezo Osaka to Dortmund, where he scored 21 goals in 49 league appearances.

He missed the second half of his first season in Germany after breaking his metatarsal at the 2011 Asian Cup, but returned for 2011-12 to push Dortmund to the Bundesliga and German Cup double.

Ferguson scouted Kagawa in person at the German Cup final. The two met afterward, and Kagawa later admitted he was charmed by the legendary Scot.

Dortmund wished Kagawa continued success at United, where he will be joined by fellow Asian and former J. League player Park Ji Sung of South Korea.

"He made huge contributions to the team over what has been a successful two years," sports director Michael Zorc said. "We hope he continues to do well."

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Kagawa leads way as Japan beats Azerbaijan

Fine-tuning: Shinji Kagawa (left) vies for the ball during Japan's 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Wednesday. KYODO

FUKUROI, Shizuoka Pref. — Shinji Kagawa showed exactly why he has Manchester United and a host of other leading European clubs on his trail Wednesday, scoring with a cracking finish to put Japan on the way to a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in a warmup for next month's World Cup qualifiers.

The Borussia Dortmund star struck three minutes before the interval and also had a hand in the second goal, scored by Shinji Okazaki, before making way for Arsenal starlet Ryo Miyaichi to make his eagerly anticipated senior national team debut midway through the second half at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa.

Hiroki Sakai and Hideto Takahashi also won their first caps and CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda had a solid outing after a nine-month injury-related absence in Japan's last game before three World Cup qualifiers against Oman, Jordan and Australia.

Coach Alberto Zaccheroni on Thursday will name his squad for the home qualifiers against Oman and Jordan at Saitama Stadium 2002 on June 3 and 8, respectively, and the trip to Brisbane to meet Australia on June 12. Japan are also drawn against Zico's Iraq in Group B.

"Everything fell into place for the goal," Kagawa said. "But we had a bundle of chances and we probably should have scored more."

Takayuki Morimoto, recalled as cover for injured Southampton striker Tadanari Lee, started up front with Honda in the hole alongside Kagawa and Okazaki.

The Novara hitman thought he had fired Japan in front in the 17th minute, but the linesman was quick to raise his flag for offside, and Kagawa went close moments later when he drilled just wide of the left-hand post.

Honda, looking sharp in his first national team game since scoring in a 3-0 win over South Korea last August, nearly brought the home fans to their feet with a 30-meter free kick that hit the woodwork and Azerbaijan goalkeeper Kamran Aghayev before going out for a corner.

Morimoto only lasted 37 minutes and left the field with an injury and was replaced by Ryoichi Maeda, much to the delight of Jubilo Iwata fans among a crowd of 30,276.

Japan's dominance finally paid off on 42 minutes with a wonderfully worked goal set up by Honda and Makoto Hasebe.

Hasebe collected Honda's flick to pick out Kagawa with a raking pass, and the 23-year-old bamboozled Maksim Medvedev with a clever piece of skill before burying the ball inside the far post.

Azerbaijan missed a good chance to level two minutes into the second half, Jihan Ozaraka creating space with a surging run and blasting into the side netting before Japan doubled their lead.

Honda got on the end of Kagawa's cross to head the ball into the danger zone for Okazaki to scramble home.

"I played just like I always do," Honda said. "Every game I'm in I expect to win, and we did just that so I'm happy. I think I can play a lot better and so can the rest of the team.

"If we play up to our potential, we're good enough to win all three games."

The crowd reserved one of the biggest cheers of the night for Miyaichi as he came on for Kagawa shortly after the hour mark, but the 19-year-old was unable to respond with a goal.

"I was a little nervous out there, but I'm thrilled to have set foot on the pitch for the national side," Miyaichi said. "I expect the qualifiers to be nothing short of difficult."

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Honda, Kagawa named to Japan squad for international friendly

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni on Friday recalled CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda and also picked Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa in a 23-man squad for next week's World Cup qualifying warmup against Azerbaijan in Shizuoka.

Zaccheroni also named Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo and Bolton Wanderers striker Ryo Miyaichi among 10 European-based players for next Wednesday's game, which serves as a tuneup ahead of three final-round World Cup qualifiers in June against Oman, Jordan and Australia in Asian zone Group B.

"This game will give me a good chance to look at the condition of the European-based players and new candidates that are in form in the J.League," said Zaccheroni.

Honda, the driving force as the Blue Samurai reached the second round of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, has not played for Japan since last August, when he scored in a 3-0 defeat of South Korea in a friendly in Sapporo.

He suffered a right-knee injury in a Russian Premier League game against Spartak Moscow later that month and spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery in Spain.

"I haven't seen him (Honda) play since August. He is still recovering so I want to have a good look at his condition in training," said Zaccheroni. "If he appears OK, then, of course, I am going to give him a game."

Ariajasuru Hasegawa was handed his first callup and was among four FC Tokyo players, including Japan Under-23 goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda. No players from Gamba Osaka, Cerezo Osaka, Nagoya Grampus or Sagan Tosu were picked as they are involved in J.League action next Friday.

"Hasegawa is doing really well in the J.League and has shown his quality in the middle of the park. I want to see in training if he deserves to play for the national team," said Zaccheroni.

The Italian tactician has also recalled Novara striker Takayuki Morimoto as cover for injured Southampton striker Tadanari Lee.

"He (Morimoto) has been playing pretty well for his club, and with Lee injured and unable to play I have given him the call," said Zaccheroni

Japan takes on Oman and Jordan at Saitama Stadium 2002 on June 3 and 8, respectively, before traveling to Brisbane to take on the Socceroos on June 12. Zaccheroni's men have also been drawn against Iraq in the final round.

The squad:

Goalkeepers — Eiji Kawashima (Lierse), Shusaku Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo)

Defenders — Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama F Marinos), Yuhei Tokunaga (FC Tokyo), Masahiko Inoha (Vissel Kobe), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke), Hiroki Sakai (Kashiwa Reysol)

Midfielders — Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Hajime Hosogai (Augsburg), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Hideto Takahashi (FC Tokyo), Ariajasuru Hasegawa (FC Tokyo)

Forwards — Ryoichi Maeda (Jubilo Iwata), Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart), Takayuki Morimoto (Novara), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund), Genki Haraguchi (Urawa Reds), Ryo Miyaichi (Bolton Wanderers)

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Kagawa wants Premier League move

Shinji Kagawa's future destination appears to be in England, the Japan midfielder saying on Wednesday he wants to play in the Premier League after meeting Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

"It was good to meet and actually talk to him. He had some nice things to say to me," Kagawa said of Ferguson, who was on hand to watch the 23-year-old in Borussia Dortmund's 5-2 victory over Bayern Munich in Saturday's German Cup final.

Following the win, Kagawa turned down a three-year contract extension from Dortmund, with whom he won the Bundesliga the last two seasons.

Kagawa revealed he has been talking to several teams and has yet to make a decision, but admitted he is enticed by the thought of playing in the Premier League.

"There's no timetable on my decision," said Kagawa, who also has been linked with both Chelsea and Arsenal. "I've been in touch with a number of clubs, and I can't say which one is the best for me yet.

"But I want to go a team where it'll be challenging for me. It'd be nice if I end up playing in the Premier League."

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Arsenal showing interest in midfielder Kagawa

LONDON — Arsenal are showing interest in Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa, British newspapers reported Friday.

The 23-year-old Kagawa has yet to sign an extension with reigning two-time Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, who have offered him a new three-year deal, doubling his pay to €3 million per season.

Both The Sun and Daily Mail said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking into signing Kagawa, who is also reportedly drawing interest from Manchester United, Chelsea as well as AC Milan.

The Gunners are currently loaning out another Japanese midfielder, Ryo Miyaichi, to Bolton Wanderers, and have signed former international Junichi Inamoto in the past.

Kagawa has said he will announce a decision on his future after Saturday's German Cup final at home to Bayern Munich.

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Dortmund expects Kagawa to leave

DUSSELDORF, Germany — Borussia Dortmund is not expecting Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa to sign an extension, sports director Michael Zorc said Sunday.

"We're making plans on the premise that he will transfer this summer," Zorc said during a television interview with Sky.

"Kagawa isn't looking to sign an extension at this point in time. There's no need for us to sell him given our current finances, but his market value is high right now.

"If we receive an offer, we will consider it."

Kagawa's contract with the Bundesliga champion expires in 2013. He has been linked to European giants such as Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan.

Dortmund has offered the 23-year-old Kagawa a three-year extension, doubling his annual salary to €3 million. United is reportedly preparing to double Dortmund's offer.

Kagawa himself on Saturday refused to comment on his future.

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Kagawa refuses to discuss future

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa is refusing to talk about his future as transfer rumors continue to swirl around the Borussia Dortmund playmaker.

"I don't think there's any need for me to answer that," Kagawa said on Saturday, when asked if he would be returning to two-time Bundesliga champion Dortmund next season.

"I want to be professional about it and just play hard to the last game of the season," he said.

Kagawa spoke after Dortmund thrashed Kaiserslautern 5-2 away with one match left in the campaign, which his team won last weekend. He came on in the 66th minute and set up the fifth 10 minutes later for Dortmund, which stretched its unbeaten run to 27 games.

Kagawa, whose contract with Dortmund expires in the summer of 2013, has been linked with Europe's biggest clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan as the transfer window approaches.

The latest report out of Europe claims United has offered Kagawa a three-year deal worth €6 million in annual salary — double what Dortmund has tabled and a figure that would make the 23-year-old the highest-paid Japanese player ever.

Kagawa said it has been difficult enough remaining motivated without the distractions of all the transfer talk.

"It's been kind of a tricky week," he said. "It's hard to get up for it again after you've won the championship already."

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Manchester United offers Kagawa three-year deal: report

Cologne, Germany — Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa has been offered a three-year contract by Manchester United in the English Premier League, German newspaper Bild said in its Friday edition.

According to Bild, Kagawa, whose Borussia Dortmund team has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles, is being offered a three-year deal worth about ?6 million and "only needs to sign the contract."

Dortmund has apparently made an offer of about ?3 million, double Kagawa's current salary. "That will not be enough for Kagawa," the article said.

In other news, Bild said that Cerezo Osaka midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake has signed a provisional contract with Nurnberg for a transfer this summer.

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Kagawa keen to play in Olympics

Osaka — Borussia Dortmund's Japan international midfielder Shinji Kagawa is hoping to stay injury-free for the remainder of the season and has an eye on this summer's London Olympics.

"My main objective is to finish the season without being injured and on top of that deliver results," Kagawa told reporters Monday at Osaka airport before heading back to Germany to his Bundesliga club.

"I'm in good condition and have high hopes for myself for the second half of the season," the 22-year-old added.

Kagawa has yet to feature for Japan's Olympic hopefuls but would likely be considered for selection if Takashi Sekizuka's men qualify for London.

"The team has its stance on selection so it is not for me to comment but I want to get myself prepared," he said.

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