BONN, June 19 - Japan striker Atsushi Yanagisawa was feeling the heat after missing an open goal in the 0-0 draw with Croatia.

Sunday's result left his team's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, with Japan needing to pull off an improbable victory over holders Brazil in their last Group F game on Thursday to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

Even that might not be enough as an Australian win over Croatia would eliminate Japan.

Yanagisawa scuffed badly wide with a gaping goal at his mercy early in the second half against Croatia.

"I probably snatched at it a little bit," he told reporters on Monday.

"Maybe I should have tried to take it with the inside of my foot. I don't know. It came at me quick and I just reacted."

Goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved a penalty to earn the Japanese a point which keeps alive their mathematical chances of advancing.

"We all know how serious our position is," said Yanagisawa. "But we have to stick together and fight until the end. That is all we can do."

Japan coach Zico said he may make changes for Thursday's game in Dortmund, putting Yanagisawa's place in the side under threat.

Keiji Tamada or Seiichiro Maki could come in to partner Naohiro Takahara in attack.