Asian Cup 2011: Shinji Kagawa 'Convinced' Japan Can Beat Australia In Asian Cup Final

Despite injuring his foot and missing the Asian Cup final, Japan star forward Shinji Kagawa is "convinced" the Blue Samurai can defeat Australia.
Japan star Shinji Kagawa may not be available for selection for the Blue Samurai in their Asian Cup final against Australia on Saturday, but the 21-year-old is "convinced" the side can defeat the Socceroos.

The Borussia Dortmund player will be out of action for a long length of time after sustaining a metatarsal fracture in his foot in the semi-final clash against South Korea, which could potentially keep him out for the remainder of the Bundesliga season.

"I'm really worried that I'm facing the worst case," Kagawa was reported as saying to The-AFC.com. "But I'm convinced that the team will win [against Australia]."

Kagawa revealed he felt an "awful impact" when dribbling against the Taeguk Warriors, but remained on the park. He felt "it was a bit risky" to continue playing.

"I will work hard and want to return [to the national team] because I want to improve myself in many ways," he concluded.