Despite Japan's surprise 2-1 win over Colombia fueling predictions of a knockout-stage berth, members of the Samurai Blue squad were keeping a lid on expectations Thursday ahead of their upcoming match against Senegal.
Prior to its victory Tuesday over a 10-man La Tricolor side in Saransk, Japan was widely tipped to finish last in Group H, but bookmakers now have the resurgent four-time Asian champion as second favorite to top the group behind Senegal.
The win at Mordovia Arena may have lifted the mood within the camp, but the players were not letting it affect their approach to Sunday's showdown with the joint group leader in Yekaterinburg, midfielder Genki Haraguchi said.