Japan's decision to axe Vahid Halilhodzic two months before the World Cup finals came as a surprise to many, but former boss Philippe Troussier believes the appointment of Akira Nishino could give the Samurai Blue a much-needed boost.
Japan is making its sixth straight appearance at the finals, having debuted in France in 1998, and it begins its campaign in Group H against Colombia in Saransk on Tuesday.
The four-time Asian champions, who also face Senegal and Poland, have undergone a turbulent 10 months since qualifying, culminating in the firing of former Algeria coach Halilhodzic in April after a string of poor results.