This year will be a crucial period for Japanese soccer, particularly when the national team plays in the World Cup finals from May 31-June 30 in front of its home fans.

The Japanese team has been groomed for the occasion over the last three years under the guidance of Frenchman Philippe Troussier. The coming World Cup will see both Japan and Troussier making their second appearance in the tournament. Japan made its debut four years ago in France, where Troussier coached the South African team. Both Japan and South Africa bowed out of the '98 tournament at the end of the first round.

With five months remaining before the world's most prestigious single-sport event takes place, the spotlight is on the enigmatic Frenchman. So how does he feel about the responsibility of leading the cohost at the World Cup? In this interview, Troussier outlines his views on this exciting time in Japan's soccer history.