Back at Japan's World Cup base following their 2-2 draw with Senegal the previous day, striker Yuya Osako on Monday lamented a missed opportunity that could have turned the contest for the Samurai Blue.

Despite another strong performance Sunday following his man-of-the-match outing against Colombia, the Werder Bremen forward was fixated on the 61st-minute miss that left him pounding the ground at Ekaterinburg Arena in frustration.

With the score 1-1, Osako got a step ahead of his man inside the box but failed to connect with a cross from Gaku Shibasaki that only needed a touch to find the back of the net.

"If there's a chance to score, you have to make it count," the 28-year-old Osako said.

The opportunity was the result of a well-worked attacking move through the middle, with Getafe midfielder Shibasaki firing a cross into Osako's path from right. The striker looked certain to convert, but was a split-second late, swinging at air with his right boot.

(Osako reacts after gilt-edged chance goes begging)

Osako was a handful for Senegal's defenders throughout the 90 minutes, generating space for Japan's attack with his passing and movement.

Moments after the miss, he nearly earned redemption by setting up Takashi Inui on the edge of the box with a clever back heel. The Real Betis midfielder came within inches of giving Japan a 2-1 lead, whipping a shot into the crossbar.

Osako's efforts did not escape the notice of Senegal manager Aliou Cisse, who singled out the striker for praise in his post-match press conference.

"(Osako) was putting a lot of pressure on the defense. We had a lot of trouble containing him throughout the match," Cisse said.

The draw left Japan and Senegal tied for top place in Group H on four points, one ahead of Colombia, who eliminated Poland with a 3-0 thrashing.

Japan only need to draw their final group match against Poland to make the round of 16, but the Samurai Blue will be looking to take maximum points at Volgograd Arena, according to Osako.

"Even if we only need one point, I don't think it's in the makeup of our team to settle for a draw. We have to go for the win," he said.