When Argentina's prolific striker Gabriel Batistuta unleashes his first World Cup shot in anger, Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi will know exactly what to expect.
Since Japan arrived in France for their first appearance in the final stages of the World Cup, Kawaguchi has been at the receiving end of one of the most powerful kickers in the world - the team's Brazilian goalkeeping coach Mario.
Kawaguchi has had to face on average 300 shots a day from the 45-yearold Mario to get him ready for tomorrow's Group H showdown against one of the pre-tournament favourites Argentina.
And Japanese coach Takeshi Okada is hoping Mario's brutal training regime will make the difference between success and failure. Mario, who signed up with the Japanese national team in 1995 and helped them to their first Olympics in 28 years, has no doubts as to what it takes to succeed.
"Repetition is the essence of my coaching. You have to practise again and again to eliminate mistakes. There is always room for improvement," said Mario.
But the diet of power shooting is taking a toll on the Brazilian, revealed Kawaguchi.
"After training Mario often complains about the pain in his leg. But in practice you would never know he is hurting. He is like a man possessed. He just lets rip," said Kawaguchi, the hero of Japan's surprise 1-0 win over Brazil at the Atlanta Olympics.
In the historic win over the muchfancied Brazil at Miami's Orange Bowl, Kawaguchi stopped a barrage of 28 shots from such stars as Bebeto, Juninho and Flavio Conceicao after Teruyoshi Ito scored the lone goal after a Brazilian defensive lapse.
Known for his lightning reflexes, the 6ft Kawaguchi, capped 27 times, minded the net through Japan's tough 15-match qualifying campaign last year.
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