Japan's mistake-laden debacle against Tunisia on Tuesday night was bad enough to debunk most of the positives that surrounded Hajime Moriyasu's Samurai Blue prior to the Kirin Cup final.
The 3-0 humiliation in front of home fans in Osaka could be a blessing in disguise, however, if it finally forces the manager into shaking up his side, especially its blunt attack, with little time left before the World Cup in Qatar.
In Group E, along with powerhouses Germany and Spain, Japan can only expect to see as much time on the ball as it did against Tunisia when it faces the final qualifier Costa Rica in its second match.