Intro:

Keisuke Honda was hopeful on Wednesday (11 June) Japan will do well at the World Cup as the team prepare for their first game on Saturday against the Ivory Coast.

Script:

After their flight to Brazil in a Pokemon themed plane, it's now time for Japan's real stars to perform.

The reigning Asian champions will meet the Ivory Coast in their first game in Group C on Saturday (15 June).

Keisuke Honda is one of the big names in the Japanese squad and much will be expected of the AC Milan player.

Honda believes this is now the time for Japan to beat one of the big teams on the world stage.

Under coach Alberto Zaccheroni, Japan have gone from a defensive to attacking side - scoring seven goals in their last two matches against Costa Rica and Zambia.

Honda is expected to carry the attack along with striker Shinji Kagawa, but the AC Milan midfielder warned that it will be difficult to light up the scoreboard in Brazil. And says he feels the intense pressure that comes from the Far East.

The Asian Champions start off against Ivory Coast and then Greece followed by Colombia.