Japan bring in Kaji, Ogasawara v Croatia

NUREMBERG, June 18 (Reuters) Japan recalled right back Akira Kaji and midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara to their side for today's Group F match against an unchanged Croatia.

Kaji, recovered from a badly bruised foot, will slot into a reshaped four-man defence. Ogasawara will be in front of Kaji as coach Zico opts for a 4-4-2 system instead of the 3-5-2 he used in the 3-1 defeat by Australia.

Yuichi Komano and Keisuke Tsuboi were omitted by Japan.

Croatia confirmed captain Niko Kovac would start in midfield despite sustaining a rib injury after a heavy challenge in the 1-0 defeat by Brazil.

REUTERS AY BST1830