Japan have much to be happy about after a gritty 2-2 draw with Senegal in Ekaterinburg, but the Samurai Blue will be unable to avoid feeling they let a win slip away against the joint Group H leaders.

Facing a skillful and explosive Senegal outfit, Japan managed to dictate play for long stretches, scoring two excellent goals and creating two clear-cut chances late in the game that could have clinched victory.

At the other end, the defensive shortcomings that have long troubled the team once again saw them give away soft goals through inattention and poor marking.

In his post-game press conference, head coach Akira Nishino praised his side for having the fortitude to twice fight back from a goal down to secure the draw.

"It was a tough match and we knew it was going to be. It ended up very tough. We came from behind twice and we knew Senegal were not a team that we could beat easily," the 63-year-old former Japan Football Association technical director said.

Senegal opened the scoring in the 11th minute after goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima spilled a catchable strike from Youssouf Sabaly, the ball bouncing off Liverpool star Sadio Mane and into the net.

Midfielder Genki Haraguchi shared blame for the goal after badly mistiming an attempt to head clear, allowing Sabaly to gather and shoot from inside the box.

Despite the early setback, the Samurai Blue continued to take the attack to their opponents and deservedly scored an equalizer through the boot of Takashi Inui before the break.

The Real Betis midfielder has proven himself to be an essential member of the starting 11, netting three times in the past three matches for a national team that has often struggled to score.

Poor defensive positioning was to blame for Japan falling into deficit once again, when an unmarked Moussa Wague scored inside the box in the 71st minute, but the Samurai Blue fought back to level seven minutes later.

Inui was once again instrumental, beating his man and providing the cross for Keisuke Honda's equalizer that gave the Pachuca playmaker a place in history as the only Japanese to score in three World Cups.

Though Japan exhibited strong attacking play through the middle of the pitch and down both wings, the most impressive aspect of their performance was their apparent unwillingness take a step backward against a hugely talented Senegal side.

They will be hoping the Lions of Teranga can do them a favor in the final round of group play, as a Senegal win over Colombia would guarantee Japan a berth in the knockout stage following Poland's capitulation against La Tricolor in Kazan.

Japan can go into the round of 16 without the need for any favors, however, by earning at least a point against a Poland side with nothing but pride on the line.

Whatever the outcome, Japan's performances at this World Cup so far indicate they will not go down without a fight.