Coach Alberto Zaccheroni must urgently find a way to unlock Japan's attacking potential against already-qualified Colombia tomorrow but is relying on events elsewhere if his side are to reach the World Cup last 16.
Japan came to Brazil with their hopes high after finishing ahead of Australia in their Asian qualifying group, aiming to better their impressive last-16 showing in South Africa.
But little has gone right for the Blue Samurai since they started brightly against Ivory Coast, taking an early lead through Keisuke Honda only to concede twice.
Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa was relegated to the bench for the next game against Greece and although he came on in the second half, the match finished in a drab 0-0 draw.
After the stalemate against 10-man Greece a frustrated Honda was damning about the team's lack of creative spark.
"We lack ideas," Japan's bleach-blond talisman told local media. "We tried to attack but we just can't put the ball in the back of the net."
It means the side's destiny is out of their hands ahead of their match in the heat of Cuiaba.
Colombia are already assured of a place in the next round after two victories in Group C while Ivory Coast, who meet Greece in Fortaleza on Tuesday, have three points.
Greece and Asian champions Japan have one point apiece, though Greece's goal difference is inferior.
Scratching his head for answers, on Saturday Zaccheroni gave his players, based in Itu, time off at short notice, hoping the break would enable them to recharge their batteries.
- Playing with the brakes on -
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The veteran Italian said despite the disappointing start in Brazil he was feeling "pretty positive" ahead of Tuesday's match, even though he bemoaned their lack of attacking zest.
"We haven't had enough speed in our play and it's as though the players have been playing with the brakes on," he said. "The problem is probably mental.
"We're not satisfied with our performances so far. This team has given lots of joy and satisfaction in previous matches over the past four years so I'm hoping we can show that good part of our football against Colombia.
