Japan coach Takeshi Okada is quietly confident his side can return to winning ways in their opening game against Cameroon.

Okada insists they will take the game to their opponents at the Free State Stadium.

After a run of five warm-up matches without a victory and only one goal scored, he has been accused of negativity for the way he sets his teams up.

However Okada said: "We have never just concentrated on defence. We have skilful players and we will be very attack-minded.

"We have had our ups and downs since I took this post two and a half years ago.

"It is an experience you need to go through and I am not worried. We have done everything we can in terms of our preparation. What I wish for now is our best level of performance."

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has lauded Samuel Eto'o as a true champion ahead of their opening match.

Le Guen has become tired of questions regarding his captain's mindset in the build-up to the tournament.

Eto'o recently threatened to quit the team following critical remarks by former player Roger Milla.

The Inter Milan striker, who helped his club win the Champions League, changed his mind and will lead the team out at the Free State Stadium.

Following a training session on Sunday night, Le Guen said: "We have to concentrate on the special things, not the minor things.

"He (Eto'o) knows what works for him as well as the Cameroon team. He is a champion and knows how to concentrate on the things that matter."

Milla assumed legendary status in 1990 when Cameroon shocked the football world by reaching the quarter-finals.

Twenty years on, Le Guen believes they can reach these dizzy heights again even though they are in a tough group - with Holland and Denmark to come.

He said: "I think it is normal to consider Holland as the favourites but we should still be able to claim one of the two places on offer.

"There is huge expectation in Cameroon but I feel we are ready to showcase our talents.

"There is a good atmosphere in the camp. The players are at ease even though they feel a sense of responsibility."