[ASIAN CUP] Shinji Kagawa, Borussia Dortmund’s 21-year-old Bundesliga sensation, will lead favorite Japan in its bid towin a record fourth title at the 2011 Asian Cup, which kicks off Friday in Doha. The tournament is the first since Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup but will be played in decidedly more moderate conditions — highs in the high 70s — than those that willbe in store for everyone if the 2022 tournament is held as planned in the summer.

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.