A noted playmaker from the centre of the park, Ogasawara is likely to be Hidetoshi Nakata's deputy in Germany this summer. He played just seven minutes of the World Cup finals four years ago, but has more than 50 caps to his name during an international career that got underway against Ukraine in March 2002. Has spent his entire professional career with Kashima Antlers and would be a probable starter but for the midfield strength at coach Zico's disposal. The 27-year-old also gets his fair share of goals, with a ratio of nearly one in every four games for his club side.