Zico has reminded Brazil's detractors that flair teams rarely win the World Cup.

The Japan coach knows that better than most as he played in three tournaments without getting a winners' medal.

He was therefore quick to point out that those who have been disappointed with a lack of samba soccer from Carlos Alberto Parreira's side may still have been watching the future champions.

He said: "If you look at history, in 1974 the Dutch played some really good football but they didn't win the World Cup.

"It was the same story in 1954 when Hungary were the team that played the best football but didn't win.

"Stylish football is one thing but it is not always the team that plays the best football that wins. The game is about results, not style."

That applies to Zico's own position as Japan know they must defy the odds just to stay in the competition.

Their task in Dortmund is not only to beat reigning champions Brazil but to do so by a margin that will enable them to climb above both Australia and Croatia, who play in Stuttgart at the same time.

Zico said: "To go into the last game with a chance of qualifying was not something I had been thinking about when the tournament started.

"Of course we have to play strong opponents but as long as there is a chance the team will fight and never give up. It is important that the players know what they have to do and I think they do understand that. They know they have to win."

The last time the two nations met, in the Confederations Cup last summer, the game ended in a 2-2 draw and Zico was hopeful that as Brazil have already qualified from Group F, and are set to rest players, there would not be such a competitive edge to the South Americans' game.

He said: "In the Confederations Cup Brazil had to win and now they are already qualified. That means, as a Brazilian, I won't make so many people angry if we beat them."

Another factor Zico hopes is in his side's favour is the weather. The Australia defeat and the goalless draw with Croatia were both played in the early afternoon; this time kick-off is in the evening.

He said: "It was far too hot in the first two matches but now it should be easier to play to our strengths. Our game is about speed so that should be good for us."

Zico will become the 13th coach to have sent a side out against his own country in the World Cup, following on swiftly from Sven-Goran Eriksson when England played Sweden yesterday.

The game will also be a big occasion for Japan defender Alex, who was born in Brazil and only moved to Japan as a teenage student.

The 28-year-old, who was granted Japanese citizenship in 2001, said: "I have been in Japan so long I consider myself Japanese but it will certainly be a different feeling to the first two matches."