The Antlers, who in that game drew 1-1 with the Reds, head to Hindmarsh Stadium knowing they'll need to win or scrap for a 2-2 result to progress to the semi-finals.

It's a scenario that favours United but not one that's caused panic for the normally high-scoring J-League champions.

Oswaldo said his side knows what's required to win.

"We play (in our) usual (style), with the same players, as normally as Kashima plays," he said.

"We have 90 minutes to play, we can score in the first minute or the last minute, so we'll play normal."

But the Brazilian did admit his team would need to improve its movement and use its 'skill and speed' to beat United.

He said the South Australian team would be a 'difficult' opponent.

"Adelaide as a team, as a group, is very good. They have very good action in defence and also on the counter attack," he said. "They have players with experience so it's difficult to beat a team like this.

"Of course if I can choose, I choose another opponent because I know Adelaide is a very strong side. But in this phase we can not choose - if you hit the final you have to pass any opponent."

Oswaldo also said the team were feeling pressure to perform, especially without their injured captain Mitsuo Ogasawara.

"He's really one of our best players and he is also our playmaker but anyhow since last season, even without him, Kashima played very nice games with the other players so I think we can make our goal even without him," he said.

"Naturally we feel under pressure … but this is part of our life but I prefer to live with this kind of pressure rather than without it."

Oswaldo is unsure who'll lead the team in Ogasawara's absence

One player who could be considered for the captaincy is Koji Nakata. He said the team would be playing with 'heart' after disappointing results against Adelaide United last week and J-League opponent Kashiwa Reysol at the weekend.

"The atmosphere of the team is very good and they are confident that they can proceed to the next round even without their captain and they want to play for him as well," Nakata said.

"They really want to push themselves. It doesn't feel much different and we feel like we are playing at our best."