JEF United Chiba's Seiichiro Maki was Japan's surprise pick for the 2006 World Cup, Jubilo Iwata's Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi for 2010.

Alberto Zaccheroni has been largely conservative in his squad selection since taking over for Takeshi Okada four years ago but now, with six months to go to Brazil, the Japan manager is suddenly hinting he may have a few surprises of his own for the big announcement in May.

"I think there's every possibility," Zaccheroni said in a recent interview with the Tokyo Sportswriters Club, when asked if his 23 for the June 12-July 13 World Cup could include some new faces.