The Blue Samurai need just a point against the already-eliminated Saudis to secure a top-two spot in Group B and with it their place in the last eight.

Japan needed a stoppage-time strike from Maya Yoshida to rescue a 1-1 draw with Jordan in their opening game of the tournament before earning a hard-fought 2-1 win over Syria in their next match.

And Zaccheroni was happy with the improved performance from his players against the Syrians and is confident they can perform event better against Saudi Arabia.

"We were better in the Syria match and so hopefully we will have the same improvement against Saudis," said the Italian.

"As I have said before we are just behind other countries preparation-wise so we need to up the tempo in the game.

"We have had very good training sessions since we have been here. We have a great feeling and things are getting better and better."

Zaccheroni will be forced to make changes to his side, however, with goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima suspended, Daisuke Matsui sidelined with a leg injury and Keisuke Honda struggling to shake off an ankle problem.

The former AC Milan boss added: "We need to think about the Saudi side and I will look to make the right decision regarding players. I have a day still to think about and I have good players here, so I plan to make the best decision.

"I have great confidence in the quality of my substitutes and I hope those who came off the bench in the first two matches will continue to show their quality."

Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al Johar has called on his players to restore their wounded pride with victory over the Japanese.

"We will try our best in the match. Our players will exert every effort to play well and have good performance," he said.

"We will think about our prestige and name throughout the match, the players have the ability to do that and restore our reputation again."