KAKEGAWA, Shizuoka Pref. -- "If we can stay focused, I think we can win the next match as well," Japan and Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono said Tuesday of his team's upcoming game against Tunisia, set for Friday at Osaka's Nagai Stadium.

News photoShinji Ono

Japan leads Group H on four points from a win over Russia and a draw with Belgium. Russia stands behind on three points, followed by Belgium (2) and Tunisia (1). A draw against the north Africans, or even a loss by a one-goal margin, will be enough to send the cohost to the knockout Round of 16 stage.

"There's no game you can afford to lose. We'll play for three points (from a win)," Ono told reporters at the Japanese team's media center in Morimachi, Shizuoka Prefecture.

"I'm mildly happy with our first-ever win in the World Cup. The World Cup is held every four years and we've got one win and one draw, which have brought us confidence."

This is Ono's second World Cup following his 11-minute stint against Jamaica in the first round in France four years ago. At the time, he was 18 years and nine months old, just a couple of months after graduating from high school in Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture.

"The difference from 1998? We've got the results so far and I have played as a starting member this time," said Ono. "But I don't look at the 1998 tournament as anything special. I don't say that the experience four years ago hasn't helped me, though. This is another tournament."

In May, Ono won the UEFA Cup with his Dutch club team, becoming the first Japanese player crowned in one of the UEFA-sanctioned European competitions.

"After playing and training with the players who I used to watch on TV, I've learned that I don't have to be too reserved," the 22-year-old player said of his experience in Europe. "As you've seen in the tournament here, the Japanese players are not inferior to foreign players. That inspires me."

Shortly before the start of the tournament, Ono complained of stomach pains and underwent a medical checkup, which had his fans worrying about whether the talented midfielder would be available for Japan. Ono said he's now fine and has no pain, although he's taking some medication from time to time.

"My condition is getting better and it will be much better if I can display a good performance in the game," Ono said.

He set up Kashima Antlers forward Takayuki Suzuki's equalizer in the team's 2-2 draw with Belgium. But while the former Urawa Reds player is not fully satisfied with his own performance, he praised teammate Junichi Inamoto, saying he even feels "jealous" about the Arsenal -- for the time being anyway -- player's two goals.

"(Inamoto) can smell a chance and moves into that space. Whenever he comes up front, that becomes a chance for our team. He judges the situation right, but I haven't reached that stage yet," Ono said.

"I'd like to work hard and start again in our next game and help my teammates when we are having a hard time, as they have done for me."