Foxboro, MA (My Sportsbook) - Underachievers in World Cups past, Canada and Japan do battle Saturday at Gillette Stadium to put a positive spin on their respective tournament histories.

Headed into the weekend, the Japanese sit second in Group C on three points -- leading the North Americans (also on three points) by goal difference. Germany sits tops with six points from its two matches.

Prior to the kick-off of the 2003 WWC, Japan and Canada shared only one win in 16 combined matches -- a trend both countries are desperate to buck the trend this time around.

Japan got off to a fine start, beating up on Argentina in a 6-0 win before losing a 3-0 decision to Germany. The Canadians met the Germans early in a 4-1 defeat, but rebounded for a 3-0 triumph over Argentina.

The Canadians sit in a more dire position ahead of the weekend, needing nothing less than a victory to reach the quarterfinals, while Japan only needs to score a draw. Circumstances predict this will be the match to watch Saturday.

Canadian boss Even Pellerud said he was disappointed over his side's slow start, but was pleased with the way they came back against the Argentines.

"I felt we played under pressure and never really relaxed," Pellerud said. "But the big thing for us, of course, is the win. We need to look at how we can pick up the self confidence and play the way we know how."

Meanwhile, the Japanese appear a bit beat up after their tussle with the Germans.

"Their players are very tough," Japan coach Eiji Ueda said. "That's why we lost the game. Before the game we thought they had a (physical) advantage and we had to counter this advantage with quickness and skill. In fact, they had really good skill, not only power."

The proof will be in the attacking pudding for both sides -- with each sporting a world-class strikers. Canada's Charmine Hooper and Japan's Homare Sawa are both capable of winning matches with their quality finishing skills.