Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura remembered that the Newcastle United striker was one of the main reasons why Japan crashed to the Socceroos 3-1 on their way to a winless exit from the World Cup last year in Germany.

"Marking him like hogs isn't the only way to pressure him. We will discuss how. For now, I'd rather say, 'Let us not be afraid,'" he said.

Nakamura, the Scottish Player of the Year, said Japan's three backs "held back so deep" against Viduka in their bruising World Cup loss.

"We retreated no matter what and we were in danger very near the goal. We should have pushed up," said Nakamura, whose left foot boosted Celtic and himself to their second straight Scottish Premier League title.

In the World Cup opener, his cross looped into the Australian net but the Socceroos hit back with three goals in the closing nine minutes through substitutes Tim Cahill and John Aloisi.

"They have the same key players here," said the 29-year-old Nakamura. "It's no good to repeat the same mistake."

Despite a conspicuous physical disadvantage, Japan have taken it upon themselves to revenge Australia, who have switched to the cut-throat Asian bloc after they lost to eventual champions Italy in the World Cup last-16 round.

While boasting 15 World Cup veterans including Viduka, Harry Kewell, Cahill and Aloisi, the Socceroos barely made the last eight here after drawing 1-1 with Oman, losing to Iraq 3-1 before whipping Thailand 4-0.

The 31-year-old Viduka, who has suggested he will retire after the Asian Cup, has struck three goals along the way.

"They basically attacked with Viduka keeping the ball and others coming up in the group matches. This image has not greatly changed since last year," said Nakamura's midfield buddy Yasuhito Endo.

"We are inferior physically. So we need to work harder and pass the ball around better," said the Gamba Osaka star, who stands 178cm and weighs 75kg, about the average among the 23 Blue Samurai.

Japan, bidding for a third straight continental title, have taken an easier route to the quarters by beating Gulf Cup champions United Arab Emirates 3-1 and co-hosts Vietnam 4-1 after drawing 1-1 with Qatar.

"We have lost one goal each game. We lacked concentration against Vietnam and Qatar as we gave up goals on set plays," said Endo.

"We are determined not to yield a goal in the next game."