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Kawashima putting Standard Liege before Japan

Eiji Kawashima insists he will focus on his club duties with Standard Liege before worrying about the 2014 World Cup.

Goalkeeper Kawashima has been named in Alberto Zaccheroni's provisional Japan squad for the World Cup which kicks off in Brazil next month.

Kawashima, who appeared in all four of Japan's matches at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, is preparing for Standard's final two matches of the Belgian Pro League season and says those take precedence over the Blue Samurai at this point in time.

"I hope to leave Belgium on a high note," said Kawashima whose Standard sit two points behind top two sides Anderlecht and Club Brugge.

"Everyone knows that anything can happen during these playoffs. We have not spent a lot of credit but we still have a chance.

"My goal has not changed: I want to be champion and play in the Champions League with Standard."

Kawashima added: "I do not think now what can happen. I live in the moment: the first two games in a week with Standard, and then the World Cup with Japan."

Standard meets fifth-placed Lokeren on Thursday before hosting RacingGenk in their season finale on Saturday.

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