Japan once again successfully negotiated an early passage through World Cup qualifying in Asia but Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Australia highlighted two areas still a cause for concern with 12 months to go until the finals in Brazil.
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Despite the creative talents of playmakers Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa - the standout players in the continent - the Japanese still struggle for goals against top-level opposition.
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The Asian champions dominated possession against the defensive Australians in Saitama on Tuesday but striker Ryoichi Maeda had another off day, while substitute Mike Havenaar also struggled to make an impact in the final stages.
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VfB Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki did put in another decent performance but Japan's Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni would surely love for more options to finish the numerous chances Kagawa and Honda create.
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Zaccheroni called up Masato Kudo for the Socceroos clash but the 23-year-old striker, who has been in supreme form for his club Kashiwa Reysol, will have to wait to make his debut after missing out on selection.
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That chance could come in Japan's final qualifier against Iraq in Doha on Tuesday before the trip to Brazil to play in the Confederations Cup as the Asian champions look to arrest the slump in goals in recent matches.