Havenaar, at 6ft 6in, is used to being looked at as something of a curiosity in the diminutive Japanese squad. His father , Dido, a goalkeeper, left Holland more than 20 years ago to play in the J League and stayed to raise his family, becoming one of Japan's top goalkeeping coaches.

His 20-year-old son, who plays for the Yokohama Marinos, looks like the Japanese answer to Peter Crouch, awkward for the defence and adept in providing flicks and lay offs for his smaller and quicker colleagues.

Japan face Scotland in today's group opener and Scots coach Archie Knox said of their Asian opponents: "They are quick, direct and like to run with the ball. We've been working on a few strategies to counter their strengths and maybe take advantage of some flaws."