YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP) - Three-time Asian Cup winners Japan have a point to prove against Oman on Monday in their latest World Cup qualifier.

After crashing to a shock 1-0 away defeat to Bahrain in March, they are out to show they are back to winning ways and still a force to be reckoned with.

That loss left Bahrain top of Group 2 with two wins and six points, ahead of Japan and Oman on three points and winless Thailand.

Japan regained some confidence after shutting out powerhouses Paraguay and Ivory Coast in their tune-up games to retain the three-nation Kirin Cup last month.

"It was a test for the following four qualifying games. Our big goal is to get past the World Cup qualifiers. We did a good preparation for those games," said Japan coach Takeshi Okada.

"We cannot afford to lose on Monday. We are determined to win at any cost."

Brazilian-born defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka appeared satisfied that Japan didn't concede any goals in the Kirin Cup, although he himself did not play well.

"We didn't give them scoring chances and we didn't allow them to take the initiative. In the qualifiers, I want to play the best part of these games. I really want to go to the World Cup finals," said Tulio.

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura played for the first time under Okada at the Kirin Cup, and said his style of football gels with his team-mates.

He warned that Oman should not be underestimated.

"We shouldn't think this is a formality. You don't always win whenever you play a good game. We must always think about what we need to do to win," said Nakamura.

But Japan will be missing former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara who has been dropped because of recent poor form. He has yet to score a goal in four appearances under Okada.

Oman have been training in South Korea since May 21 and their Uruguayan coach, Julio Cesar Ribas Vlahovich, said they were in good shape.

"My players have been concentrating really well. I think we can have a good result against Japan," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to playing Japan. I made my debut with Uruguay in 1985 and defeated Japan 4-1 in the Kirin Cup. I'm going to go back with another sweet memory from Japan," he added.

The odds favour Japan who have never lost to Oman in six encounters.

After Monday's match, Japan play away in Oman on June 7 before travelling to Thailand on June 14.

They will then fly home hoping for revenge against Bahrain on June 22. Oman will play away in Bahrain on June 14 then take on Thailand at home on June 22.