Japan may have already exceeded expectations at the World Cup, but the Samurai Blue are capable of taking their play to an even higher level, coach Akira Nishino said Wednesday.

Japan will play their final group match against Poland at Volgograd Arena on Thursday, with a draw good enough to guarantee them just their second knockout-stage berth on foreign soil.

While world No. 8 Poland had been widely predicted to win Group H and 61st-ranked Japan were tipped to finish last, the two sides come into the match in opposite situations, with the Samurai Blue joint leaders and the Europeans eliminated after two losses.

On the eve of the crucial match for Japan, Nishino said he was happy to hear of the excitement already generated by their 2-1 win over 10-man Colombia and their gritty 2-2 draw with Senegal, but his team still had another gear.

"From here, we can't really see what's happening in Japan, but I can imagine. I'm sure all of Japan's eyes are on us, so I'd like our players to play a good game. I think we can still do better," Nishino told a press conference.

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Seated alongside Nishino, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima said Japan must maintain focus defensively to contain a Poland side featuring one of the world's best attacking players, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who has yet to open his account at the tournament.

"I know Poland is full of good players, starting with Lewandowski. As a team they are very organized, and Lewandowski is at the center of it. Of course we need to mark him well, and we need to counter them as a group," the 35-year-old custodian said.

Bringing Kawashima to the conference was a show of support from the head coach following criticism of the goalkeeper's performance in Japan's 2-2 draw with Senegal, which included a blunder that led directly to the African side's opening goal.

Addressing the criticism, Kawashima said it was part of being a national team player, and that he was out to make amends against Poland.

"Because I'm representing Japan, of course, I am ready to be criticized. But as a player, I'd like to improve," Kawashima said. "Last time my teammates helped me and this time I would like to help them."

Poland's prior elimination from the tournament does not make Japan's task any easier, according to Nishino, who said his side would need to continue to play fast-paced, possession-based football.

"Poland came through tough European qualifying, however, we came through two tough (World Cup) matches and earned points, and that has given us confidence," he said. "We'd like to keep the ball as much as possible and continue with Japan-like football."

"I do not think Poland is invincible, therefore, we will get hold of the ball and then move the ball, move ourselves and we will be agile and quick and play toward the goal."

Nishino said the humid, 37-C weather forecast for game day would test his players' stamina, making accurate passing and efficient movement even more important than usual.

"Because it's going to be hot and humid, we have to be effective and efficient in running. But the ball itself doesn't get tired so we'd like to use it as effectively as possible," he said.