Japan received the results of the finals' draws for World Championship-2002 enthusiastically, SE-Internet correspondent in Japan Vitally DEMIDENKO reports. The majority of journalists agree that their team is strong enough to reach even quarterfinals. Very characteristic was the reaction of common fans on the draws' results. Almost all Japanese TV channels showed pictures demonstrating wild joy of football fans when they knew that Russia, which is not considered a grandee team was drown from the second pot.

At the same time many Japanese football officials warn against euphoria, reminding that all the three opponents of Japanese team have higher rank in FIFA. Vice-president of Japanese national team said that he considers Russian team to be the most dangerous opponent as it always defeated the Japanese team with great difference in score. The same opinion have Japanese football surveyors who among the key advantages of the Russian team name team play and experience. As the leaders of the Russian team are recognized Mostovoy and Karpin from Selta as well as Titov and Beschastnyh from Spartak (Moscow). One surveyor named Ismailov and said he considered him a WC-2002 potential sensation.

Before the world championship Russia will play at least seven friendly matches. Four of them are planned to be held before April in Russia, the other three will be played in Europe closer the tournament. After JFA rejected England team's proposal, the most probable sparring partner of Japanese team will be Germany national team. Besides, they are planning to hold matches against Sweden, Denmark and Real Madrid.