The 29-year-old Bolton player rarely stops in the reporters "mixed zone" of a stadium for random interviews. But, when he does, you'd better watch your words -- especially after Japan lost their World Cup opener against Australia.

"I think you guys are always not optimistic ... so pessimistic," Nakata hit back when asked if Japan could earn four points in the remaining Group-F matches - through a win against 1998 semi-finalists Croatia and a draw with five-time champions Brazil.

"We still have two matches. We could get six points," the two-time Asian Footballer of the Year told reporters.

But, when the same question was inadvertently asked the next day, he demanded reporters to think more positively. "To win is to win. That's it. Nothing else." "When you guys change your minds, come back."

Nakata, playing in his third World Cup since Japan's winless debut in 1998, has been talking tough in the "Blue Samurai" squad who aim to make at least the last-16 round as they did in 2002 on home soil.

He already chided his team's atmosphere to be "a little too friendly" and unprofessional. He also told teammates to focus on running harder to match up to opponents who are generally bigger and more physical.

His answers in the recent media encounters were short and elusive.

Asked about coach Zico's change of formation to a more offensive four-back system against Croatia on Sunday, he said: "We'll have to score more. That's the simple fact."

"You think about it and you write about it. My job is to play, not to comment," he replied with a smile when pressed for elaboration.

Nakata was the first Japanese international to head west after France 1998. Now nine Japanese are plying their trade in European clubs.

He has spent much of his first English Premiership season on the bench after seven years with Italy's Serie-A.

What do you think about Croatia?

"All I know is that we shall win. All matches are difficult. You can say no match is easy," Nakata replied.

When one reporter described Japan's struggle as a "do-or-die situation," he quipped: "Why do you have to die?"