Football fans in Japan warmed up for the forthcoming World Cup by holding a screaming competition in Toyko as the countdown to South Africa 2010 continued.

The competition attracted a large crowd with participants judged on their ability to scream the word "goal" or other phrase showing support to the country's national team.

Ninety one people took partin the contest with Norio Nakayama winning the prize for his long performance as he screamed the word "goal" for just over 32 seconds.

Nakayama said he believed in Japan's "Blue Samurai" team and was upbeat about their chances against Group E opponents Cameroon, Netherlands and Denmark in Group E in South Africa.

"The ball is round and everything may happen," he said. "I'd like them to win at least once and overcome the group stage. Of course I'd like them to do their best and be hell-bent on winning," he added.

Japan's World Cup campaign begins on June 14 against Cameroon.