Nishino, who has promised an attacking philosophy since taking over the reigns in April, used all three of his substitutions on attacking players.

One of those, Keisuke Honda, scored the equaliser that made it 2-2 just six minutes after coming on.

At that stage, all-time top scorer Shinji Okazaki had also been called for as Japan chased an equaliser.

Even when the sides were level, Nishino threw the dice one more time as he brought on forward Takashi Usami late on.

"Of course in the second half we wanted to win," Nishino told reporters.

"After equalising twice I put in Usami - I could have put a defender in but I put in the attacker - and we earned one point."

"All the substitutes were attackers. I believe I used them well in terms of timing, and all three of them are attackers and are point getters."

Honda, who became the first Japanese player to score at three World Cup, now plies his trade in the Mexican top flight, but he proved his worth once again to his home country.

Nishino praised the veteran for his adaptability.

"Honda was moved wide from the centre and he was very versatile in adapting to that position," Nishino said.

The draw leaves Japan level on points with Senegal at the top of Group H, a point clear of Colombia after they defeated Poland 3-0 to end the Europeans hopes of progressing to the last 16.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was left to ponder how his team gave up the lead twice.

Sadio Mane and Moussa Wague got the goals either side of the break only for Japan to respond on both occasions through Takashi Inui and Honda.

"Of course we have regrets," Cisse said at his post-match press conference.

"We must acknowledge that we didn't see a great Senegalese performance tonight...

"We were not very good frankly, and Japan were the better team, I have to admit that.

"But despite that fact, we led twice and what's annoying for me is the two goals we conceded."

Australian Associated Press