Japan’s mission impossible vs Brazil

Nuremberg: At least Japan know what they have to do to avoid an early World Cup exit, simply beat champions Brazil in their last group game.

Only a shock result in Dortmund on Thursday will give the Asian champions any hope of reaching the last 16 following Sunday's 0-0 draw with Croatia. Even then other results will have to go their way too.

Japan's 3-1 defeat by Australia in their Group F opener was always going to make survival difficult and the tortured look on the players' faces after the stalemate with Croatia told its own story.

"We didn't really create enough chances," said Japan's Yuji Nakazawa. "Croatia missed a penalty and had several good chances so we have to be positive about getting a draw, I suppose."

Sizing up what looks like mission impossible against Brazil, the shaggy-haired defender added: "We've come this far. We just have to make sure that we go home with no regrets."

Japan were indebted to goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawguchi, who made a superb first-half penalty save from Darijo Srna, and some woeful finishing from Croatia in Nuremberg.

Croatia's inability to kill off a disappointing Japan side means they too must beat Australia in their final group game to give themselves a chance of advancing.

Japan, who reached the last 16 as 2002 co-hosts, once again lacked bite going forward and must now be wondering how they can possibly inflict any serious damage on Brazil, who have yet to concede a goal.

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"Brazil are one of the World Cup favourites so we know it will be difficult," Japan coach Zico told reporters. "We haven't been able to impose our style of play on teams yet but you never know what can happen in football."

Zico, angry at FIFA for making his side play their first two matches in the sweltering afternoon heat, will be tempted to make changes to his toothless attack against his native Brazil.

The South Americans, already through after a 2-0 victory over Australia gave them maximum points, may decide to rest key players but Japan's task still looks insurmountable.

Even knowing they will kick off at night instead of afternoon is scant consolation to Japan.

"It's good that it will be cooler, but we're still playing Brazil," said midfielder Junichi Inamoto.

"They will be playing their third game and probably just be finding their best form."

Zico, one of Brazil's all-time greats, can hardly expect charity on the scale needed to send Japan into the last 16.