Suzuki - expecting an easier game. (Allsport)

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Japan go into Sunday's Group H clash with Russia knowing their World Cup party is in danger of coming to a premature end.

Should Philippe Troussier's side fail to pick up at least a point, and Belgium beat Tunisia, then their fate will be out of their own hands.

If Japan lose they would have to beat the Africans and pray there is a loser in the Russia-Belgium match.

Confidence is high after the spirited 2-2 draw with the Belgians on Tuesday.

The Japanese, co-hosts of the tournament, rose to the occasion in front of a partisan crowd in Saitama and showed their inventiveness from start to finish.

Midfielder Junichi Inamoto, who failed to make an impression at Arsenal in his first Premiership campaign, was one of the most creative players, scoring once.

He even had another goal disallowed.

"Personally, I think Russia will be easier for us to play than Belgium," said striker Takayuki Suzuki.

"I think more space will open up for us, especially on the break.

"Shinji (Ono) and (Hidetoshi) Nakata have got such good vision, so it's up to the forwards to find the gaps and to time their runs right."

Midfielder Alex added: "We aim to win the next two group matches. It is a crucial game for us but I don't think Russia are a team to worry about."

Troussier has no injury worries ahead of the clash, and is likely to name the same side on duty against Belgium.

Russia can book their last 16 place if they pick up three points in Yokohama.

The comfortable 2-0 win over Tunisia has put them in a great position to qualify from the group, and Oleg Romantsev is expecting to stick with the winning line-up.

Veteran midfielder Alexander Mostovoi has an outside chance of making a return after recovering from a hamstring problem.

The 33-year-old, who picked up the injury in a friendly with Yugoslavia last month, would probably make an appearance as a substitute.

Young striker Dmitri Sychev could start after impressing as a sub on Wednesday.

He replaced the experienced Vladimir Beschastnykh and had a dramatic impact, setting up the first before winning a spot-kick for the second.

His performance earned high praise for captain Victor Onopko, who says the 18-year-old is relishing his World Cup experience.

He said: "He is so young and shows no nerves. He will do well for us."