Japan is already prepared to leave China after two group stage losses but coach Sorimachi Yasuharu hopes the exclusive U-23 team can go home with some dignity.

"We know we are out whatever the result of the remaining match is," Sorimachi told a pre-match press conference. "But we hope to snatch a win to take home as a present for Japanese fans."

The lousy results may not have illustrated the real level of Japanese competitiveness. The technical team had good organization and dribbling skills but the lack of the killing touch became their Achilles' heel in both matches.

Japan will take on the Netherlands in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province on Wednesday.

"We have collected a lot of information about the Dutch team. We will try to figure out effective tactics to capitalize on our strength and minimize our weakness."

"We feel regret about the losses but I told my players that's already the past tense. We are a bit unlucky. Even though we are not one of the strongest team, we have tried hard these years," said Sorimachi.

The Dutch team need a win to reach the quarterfinals after having drawn with the United States and Nigeria.

"It's a big game for us tomorrow, we have to win at least 2-0 and we hope to play better than the last games," said Foppe De Haan, coach of the Dutch team.

Striker Roy Makaay, who missed last match against the States due to injuries, is to be restored for match, where he is possible to partner Liverpool's Ryan Babel up front.

"Makaay can play tomorrow. He trained well and is motivated, he wants to go to the quarterfinals," De Haan said in Shenyang,northeast China on Tuesday.

Japan is Asia's most successful team at the Olympics and boasts a proud record of reaching the quarter-finals four times. At 1996 Atlanta Olympics, they surprised the world by beating Brazil 1-0 in the opening match.

The Dutch squad also includes Valencia's Hedwiges Maduro, who was in the senior squad at the last World Cup and made a substitute appearance against Argentina.

"Of course, we want to win medals, especially the gold medal. Sometimes a team with lots of good players may not necessarily be the best team. We had only few weeks before the tournament started, that caused a little problem, but that's life," said the Dutch coach.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12,2008)