Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda has revealed that the team will look to keep more possession during their upcoming game against Greece at the World Cup.

The Japanese, who lost to the Ivory Coast in their opening match, must avoid defeat on Thursday if they want to maintain their hopes of reaching the second round.

While they struggled to keep hold of the ball against the Africans, Honda hopes that Japan can play to their strengths when they take on Greece.

"When we have the ball we just need to keep the ball and not give it away easily," he told FIFA.com. "When we do lose the ball we should press immediately. That is our philosophy.

"The last game we lost the ball too easily so that is how we spent a lot of energy in the first half, that is the point. That is why we must concentrate on keeping the ball."

Honda scored Japan's only goal of the game during their defeat to the Ivory Coast.