Soccer-'King Kazu' finally gets World Cup chance

TOKYO, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Former Japan international

Kazuyoshi Miura is set to finally play in a World Cup at the

ripe old age of 45, albeit in the futsal version.

 The J-League's oldest ever player has been invited to

represent Japan at the tournament in Thailand in November, the

Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Monday.

 Miura, dubbed "King Kazu in Japan, was axed from the

national side by former coach Takeshi Okada before the country's

first World Cup appearance in 1998, sparking national debate.

 JFA chairman Kuniya Daini told local media: "I have heard

he's keen to play. It just depends on his condition and on his

team."

 Miura, who blazed a trail for Japanese players when he

joined Italy's Genoa in 1994, currently plays for Yokohama FC in

the J-League's second division.

 Japan are the Asian champions in futsal, as well as holders

of soccer's Asian Cup.