Japan play Uzbekistan in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 6 and a win in Tashkent will confirm the Blue Samurai’s fourth appearance in the world showcase.

Mirdjalol Kasimov’s side dominated the proceedings against their European opponents who were without their foreign-based players.

AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov, who was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Maksim Shatskikh, missed a chance in the first half while Farkhod Tadjiyev’s header in the 53rd minute hit the woodwork.

The Uzbeks, who are fourth in Group A with four points, are in an unenviable position after their 2-0 defeat to Australia in the last qualifier.

Their hopes of qualifying directly are bleak and they need wins against Japan as well as Bahrain (June 17) to stay alive. But they cannot entertain hopes of finishing third and have a shy at the play-offs unless other group results go their way.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada has already warned his players to take Uzbekistan seriously.

"This won’t guarantee us anything against Uzbekistan," he said after the former Asian champions blanked Belgium 4-0 on Sunday to win the three-nation Kirin Cup.

"We need to refresh our minds for the Uzbekistan game, and definitely come home with a victory," Okada said.

"I am sure we all know we can’t indulge ourselves in drinking now," he added, referring to any celebrations for winning the Kirin Cup.