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Europe in his sights Japan's star keeper finds his form in Confederations Cup
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- Japan has two idols to thank for its amazing run in the Confederations Cup -- lady luck and 'keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. Consistency has long been the bane of Japan's most-capped goalie. He makes rapid swings between sheer brilliance and horrifying clumsiness. It showed in the 1-0 loss to France for the title. But for a charmed run through contests against Canada, Olympic champion Cameroon, Australia and world champion France during the two-week tournament, Kawaguchi showed his good side until the final, warding off point-blank shots and making acrobatic saves. But in the 28th minute of the final. Kawaguchi's evil twin took over: He misjudged a high deep ball, came off his line, and allowed an easy header to Patrick Vieira. It made all the difference. Still, Kawaguchi said he was happy with his overall performance during the Cup, and said he may be looking for a move to Europe in the future. "I didn't have any big misses and saved the team in crucial pinch situations," he said after the final. "I've made no secret of the fact I'd like to play in Europe." His contribution to the team was evident after the final whistle blew on Sunday. He collapsed to the ground, more in exhaustion than regret at having lost. Teammate, defender Ryuzo Morioka, trotted over to tap him on the shoulder for a job well done. Scouts will have been watching Kawaguchi's performances during the Confederations Cup: The snaking dives to block a five-minute barrage against a desperate Cameroon, the saves that allowed Japan to hold on to a 1-0 lead over Australia in the semifinal. Japan coach Philippe Troussier said Kawaguchi has solved a lot of his consistency problems and may be ready to play in Europe. "I don't know if he can play for Juventus or Roma, but I think he has the potential to play in Europe," said Troussier. "He changed completely during the tournament mentally. He's very confident."
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