Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni admitted yesterday he could be forced into a radical rethink to salvage his team's World Cup dreams after an opening 1-2 loss to Ivory Coast.

The Asian champion took the lead in the Group C clash on Saturday through AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda in the 16th minute. But the Africans hit back with Wilfried Bony and Gervinho scoring in the 64th and 66th minutes.

Japan will go on to face Greece in Natal on Friday before tackling Colombia in Cuiaba on June 24.

If it is to progress, Zaccheroni believes his team needs to improve in all departments. "Our backs are against the wall. We need to recognize what went wrong and get back on the right track," said the Italian coach. "They didn't do what was expected. I need now to think about what I have to do."

Japan was out-fought by an Ivory Coast team which came to life when the imposing figure of Didier Drogba came off the bench. Two minutes later, the Africans were back on level terms.