Japan's [Images] Shunsuke Nakamura will carry four years of pent-up frustration into the World Cup after a heart-breaking snub four years ago.

The midfielder was controversially discarded by former Japan coach Philippe Troussier before the 2002 tournament in favour of the more robust Mitsuo Ogasawara.

Four years on, Japan's Group F opponents Australia, Croatia and red-hot favourites Brazil [Images] will know all about Nakamura.

Troussier's decision to axe Nakamura was vindicated as co-hosts Japan reached the last 16.

Nakamura left the comfort zone of the J-League for Italy's [Images] Reggina after the 2002 World Cup in an attempt to shake off his "luxury player" tag.

The move paid instant dividends for Nakamura, who has become a permanent fixture under current Japan coach Zico, demonstrating his value to the team at last year's Confederations Cup.

He was easily Japan's player of the tournament, scoring a superb goal in the 2-2 draw with World Cup holders Brazil.

Following his subsequent move from Italy, Nakamura quickly went from enigma to revelation as he helped Celtic to win the Scottish League title.

The 28-year-old has become a more vocal member of the Japanese side, even publicly criticising playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata -- something once considered taboo -- for positional mistakes last year.

Both men are naturally attacking midfielders and Nakamura is likely to fill the advanced role in Germany [Images] with Nakata sitting deeper, as at the Confederations Cup.

Although able to take on and beat players, it is Nakamura's skill from dead-ball situations that will mark him out as a real threat at the World Cup.

Now in his prime, Nakamura could be Japan's key player in Germany and opposing defenders will commit fouls near their own penalty box at their peril.