DORTMUND, Germany -- There have been some noble sentiments coming out of the Japan camp in days leading up to their final Group F game on Thursday against Brazil, one which Zico's men have to win by at least two clear goals if they are to have any chance of advancing to the next round.

News photoJapan national team coach Zico controls the ball during practice in Bonn on Tuesday.

From Zico saying Brazil is "no monster" to Masashi Oguro explaining that "Brazil's defense can be beaten in the center," these positive noises would suggest that the Japan camp genuinely thinks it stands a chance of achieving what would be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.