Can Japan break their duck?
 June
29, 2005 – For the second time in two
years World number 17 Japan are stearing
down the barrel of another winless World
League campaign.
After finishing in 10th spot last year (along
with Portugal and China) Japan are
facing two matches this weekend against
Portugal, where they need to break a
22-game run of defeats. It would be a
wonderful way to finish for Ueta Tatsuya
and his team, especially in front of
their own fans but it obviously won’t be
an easy task with a new and improved
Portuguese side, having blossomed under
the leadership of coach Orlando Samuels,
looking for two victories themselves to
seal second spot in the group.
Currently ranked 18th in the world,
Portugal have broken a bad run of their
own by having guaranteed their best ever
finish in the World League in six
attempts. Prior to 2005, Portugal had
finished last in all five campaigns so
whatever the result this weekend, there
is plenty to celebrate for Joao Jose and
his men.
The first match between Japan and
Portugal in Tokyo is set to go on
Saturday at 06:00 GMT (15:00 local time)
with the second game on Sunay at 05:00
GMT (14:00 local time).
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