Japan's second-round hopes at the Under-20 World Cup will rest on their final Group D game against Italy after Atsushi Uchiyama's side lost 2-0 to Uruguay on Wednesday.
Nicolas Schiappacasse and Mathias Olivera scored on either side of the break for Uruguay, who booked a spot in the knockout phase with its second win in as many games.
With Italy defeating South Africa 2-0, Japan dropped to third place behind Italy on goal difference. Japan must beat Italy in Cheonan on Saturday to reach the round of 16.