Japan coach Zico has called for his players to stand up and be counted as the Asian champion prepares for a stiff test against Germany in a warmup for the World Cup on Tuesday.
Zico has tipped Germany as championship candidates and hopes a strong performance against the World Cup host will boost morale ahead of Japan's crunch Group F opener against Australia on June 12.
The game in Leverkusen on Tuesday evening is Japan's first since arriving at its base camp in Beethoven's hometown Bonn while the Germans are heading into the match riding high after Saturday's 7-0 demolition of Luxembourg.
"This is a match against a team that I think is a strong candidate to win the World Cup. It will be a crucial test for us, and we must stick together and put on a united show of strength," Zico said after Sunday's training session.