BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany -- Brazil knows Japan has an advantage with former Brazilian all-star Zico in command. Still, there's no reason to worry too much.

"He knows our strengths and he knows our weaknesses," Brazil striker Robinho said. "But even though he knows our team very well, it will be difficult to make Japan win if we play our best soccer."

Brazil will face Japan on Thursday in Dortmund in its last Group F match. The defending champion -- which already has advanced to the second round -- can secure a first-place finish with a draw. The game is crucial to Japan, which needs a victory to keep its chances of advancing alive.

"It's unfortunate to face Zico with Japan having to win," Brazil captain Cafu said. "But it's part of the World Cup. ... He's just another adversary. It's not Zico against Brazil or Brazil against Zico, it's Brazil against Japan. That's how we have to think."

Brazil midfielder Kaka, who netted the winner in the 1-0 opening victory against Croatia, agreed.

"It's just another coach," he said. "Especially because we have already faced him last year."

Japan held Brazil to a 2-2 draw in last year's Confederations Cup in Germany. A win would have sent the Japanese through to the semifinals of the competition, which was won by Brazil.

"Zico has great knowledge of the Brazilian national team. He knows how we play and it may give him a very good tactical (edge)," striker Adriano said. "But they have to win the match. That could make things easier for us on the attack."

Adriano, whose second-half goal Sunday helped Brazil beat Australia 2-0 in Munich, is one of the Brazilian players who will be facing an idol on Thursday.

"I saw Zico play since I was a little kid," Adriano said. "He was a great player, and now he certainly is trying to show his work as a coach too."

Zico, whose full name is Arthur Antunes Coimbra, was a standout on the Brazilian national team in the World Cups of 1978, 1982 and 1986.

"He was a sensational player, exceptional," Cafu said. "He gave a lot of glory to Brazilian soccer, and now he's trying to do his job as a coach."

Zico wore the No. 10 jersey at Brazil's Flamengo in the 1980s, leading the club to Brazilian championships in 1980, 1982 and 1983.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he is considering resting some players against Japan, fielding second stringers to give some of the starters rest ahead of the next round.

If Brazil finishes first in its group, it will face the second-place team in Group E, which includes Italy, the United States, Ghana and the Czech Republic.