Inamoto celebrates Japan's winner (Allsport).

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Yokohama

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Hidetoshi Nakata is hoping a previously sceptical footballing public will now start to give Japan the respect they deserve following a history-making night in Yokohama.

Nakata is Japan's most-famous soccer export following his exploits in Serie A with Perugia, Roma, and most recently Parma where he struggled last season in what was a poor team.

But Nakata remains a cult hero with an adoring Japanese fan-base, and when he speaks, they not only listen, but hang on his every word such is his exalted status.

Junichi Inamoto can almost certainly expect to also attain such renown, although so too can the entire Japanese squad if they achieve what was not expected of them before the start of the tournament and reach the last 16.

Many critics felt the co-hosts would put up a brave show on home soil before bowing out gracefully, but after Japan's first World Cup victory the knockout stages beckon as they now top Group H, prior to Belgium's clash with Tunisia today.

Arsenal midfielder Inamoto's 51st-minute strike sent not only the near-70,000 crowd inside the International Stadium Yokohama into hysteria, but also an entire nation.

A draw against the African lightweights of Tunisia in Osaka on Friday is all that is required for French coach Philippe Troussier's side to reach the second round.

Nakata is hoping the footballing community at large will now sit up and take notice of Japan as he said: "This win over Russia is not about who scored or who did well.

"Everybody did their best, including the guys on the bench, as well as the fans who were out there cheering us on. This victory was won by all of us together.

"For Japan it was a significant victory, particularly after France 98 when we did not win a game. But we will not be satisfied with this result because we still have another match to play.

"But before this tournament and before this victory, Japan was not well known because of our geographical location, an island far away from Europe and so isolated from the great football nations.

"So I hope now, after this match, a lot of viewers all over the world recognise Japan as a great footballing nation."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watched Inamoto spark Japan's World Cup frenzy and must have been impressed.

That has obviously not been the case in the past as Inamoto has just two appearances in the Champions League and another two in the Worthington Cup following his summer move from J-League side Gamba Osaka a year ago.

Inamoto is apparently due to sit down with Wenger to discuss his future following the clash with the Tunisians as PSV Eindhoven were understood to be chasing Inamoto prior to yesterday.

Wenger, at the World Cup as an analyst for one of the Japanese television stations, offered a simple comment on Inamoto's display as he said: "He was very good today."

It was still enough to make Inamoto blush as he looked on, although when asked about his future he remains cautious, conceding: "The World Cup is a great tournament and everybody is watching, and for now it is all I want to concentrate on."

While many players will have become frustrated playing reserve team football and may have perhaps vented their disgust, Inamoto believes the last year has proved of great benefit.

"For the last year my fans in Japan have not seen much of me, so I'm really happy to show what I can do in front of them," added the blond-haired Inamoto.

"But it's been a great experience overall at Arsenal, one which has given me a great deal of confidence.

"I know I haven't played much, but I've been training with great players every day, and this has contributed a great deal to my experience."