Hasebe available for Ivory Coast battle

Hasebe has missed June friendlies against Costa Rica and Zambia after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury.

The 30-year-old played the second half of their 1-0 win over Cyprus in late May, but insisted he can run out the full match against the Ivorians - something he has not done in his national shirt since November.

"There is no problem and I have been taking part in full training," Hasebe said, before adding Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni would have the final say.

"Obviously it is the coach that decides, but I am ready to go."

"Ivory Coast are strong in attack but on the other hand they are a bit flimsy in defence," he said.

"We are both attacking teams and I think it will be the team with the highest levels of concentration that will come out on top."

However Japan's goal has hardly been unbothered in the build-up to Brazil, as they shipped three goals to African nation Zambia, and conceded first against the Costa Ricans.

"Like the coach said, the thing we were lacking was focus against Zambia and that is what we are working on now," he said.