The Central Asians have struggled in the final round of qualification and have just four points from six games.

Despite those poor results, Uzbekistan are still in with a shout of third place in their group and a play-off spot.

To that end, they need to defeat Japan on June 6 in Tashkent and then win in Bahrain on June 17.

Japan need a win to secure their place in South Africa but Djeparov, the 2008 Asian Player of the Year, believes his team can win.

“We have a good team and great players. I don’t think we are weaker than Japan,” Djeparov told the Asian Football Confederation’s official website.

“We waited for a long time to play in the FIFA World Cup and I think it’s the time now to end this wait. We are just a few steps away and can not afford to miss this opportunity.

“I have won the AFC Player of the Year award but for me success of the national team is always a priority.

“I am sure of finishing third in the group if we show our game. We need to win these games in order to keep our World Cup hopes alive.”

Uzbekistan host Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday in a warm-up match.