#3 Yuichi Komano Country: Japan Height: 1.71 m5-7 Birthdate: 25/07/1981 Position: Defender Weight: 71 kg157 lbs Birthplace: Kainan, Japan Team: Jubilo Iwata League: J-League

Bio

Though he has a lengthy injury history, Komano has managed to stay healthy in recent years, and Japan has benefited. The 28-year-old couldn't stay on the field early in his career, suffering from damaged knee ligaments, blood clots, a broken collarbone and uveitus - an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. Since his senior national team debut Aug. 3, 2005, however, he hasn't had nearly as much of a problem staying healthy, allowing him to become a solid defensive presence for Samurai Blue. Komano brings World Cup experience to South Africa, having been on the 2006 squad. He played in just one of Japan's three matches. He's right-footed and thus typically plays right back, but he's versatile enough to play on either side of the pitch. Coach Takeshi Okada has also praised Komano's intelligence and energy, both of which have helped Komano surpass 50 caps with 2010 Cup qualifiers. Komano is in his third professional season with Jubilo Iwata, the team he landed with after his Sanfrecce Hiroshima club was relegated to the Japan League's lower division.

Player Stats