Tanaka, a Brazilian-born footballer, is usually deployed as a center back with the Blue Samurai.

However, the Nagoya Grampus man assured that he will advance upfront to support the frontline 'if there is a chance'.

"If we play as the coach has told us to play, it can hardly help us show our stuff," he said.

"Football is fun just because each player has his own idea. I'll be ready to attack if there is a chance."

Tanaka made headlines for the right and wrong reasons ahead of the World Cup.

The 29-year-old netted Japan's sole goal in four consecutive friendly losses to Serbia, South Korea, England and Ivory Coast.

Tanaka scored against England but gifted them an own-goal in a 2-1 defeat. He also slotted into his own net in the 2-0 loss to the Ivoirians and injured their star Didier Drogba.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada came under fire due to his team's string of poor results in the warm-up games.