Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi put in an inspired performance between the posts for Japan as the Asian champions kept their slim World Cup hopes alive with a 0-0 draw with Croatia in Nuremberg on Sunday.

Japan coach Zico continues to sweat over the fitness of right wing-back Akira Kaji as the clock ticks down to his side’s World Cup opener against Australia.

JAPAN winger Akira Kaji is facing a race to be fit for their World Cup opener against Australia on June 12.

Japan 2 Brazil 2