Keeper Mark Schwarzer admitted: "We know that it is going to be a difficult game.... We know that it is do or die.

"You progress or you go home."

Japan have pledged to target Mark Viduka and force the Aussies to work for every ball in Hanoi's sweltering heat on Saturday.

But Schwarzer insists the Aussies are ready for the fight against the in-form Japan, and promise to bring their best game.

Austalia struggled to the quarter-finals with a draw against Oman, a loss to Iraq and a flattering 4-0 scoreline against a talented Thailand.

By comparison, Japan almoststrolled into the knockout stage with a 4-1 win over Vietnam, a 3-1 win over UAE and a 1-1 draw with Qatar.

“We know that we have to lift our standards from the way we played previously," Schwarzer confessed.

Japan are almost determined to make amends for their embarrassing 3-1 loss to Australia in the World Cup group stages last year.

Socceroo midfielder Mark Bresciano added: "It is a major factor (for Japan) coming into a game and wanting revenge. It was just one of the ways you can motivate yourself."

The key danger man for the Aussies is Celtic star and Scottish Footballer Of The Year, Shunsuke Nakamura.

Palermo and Parma hero Bresh knows Nakamura from his days playing against him when the Japanese midfielder was with Italian club, Reggina.

"We normally had a man on him and tried to mark him, but it is not easy because you lose that man as well," said Bresciano.

The Australians' biggest fear is the midfield general's renowned skill with the dead ball.

"He is very good at taking free kicks. He is obviously dangerous around the box and a good playmaker," Schwarzer said.