CSKA Moscow and Japan star Keisuke Honda has identified dead ball situations as they key to defeating Paraguay in the first knockout stage of the World Cup tonight.

The 24-year old, who has been playing as a striker in the tournament thus far, is aware how dangerous the South American outfit is and believes true Japanese qualities doubled with luck at set pieces will help the Blue Samurai qualify for the quarter-finals.

"South American players have excellent technique and all work very hard for each other as a team and Paraguay will be tricky opponents," said Honda. "We have to try and run them off the park and show our Japanese qualities and do whatever it takes to win.

"The more important the game, the more important set pieces become. The difference will come down to whoever takes their chances (from dead ball situations)."