Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (second right) takes part in a training session with teammates.
Doha, Qatar: One of the most eagerly-awaited FIFA World Cup Round of 32 ties takes centre stage today as five-time champions Brazil face an ambitious Japan side at Houston Stadium, with both teams carrying momentum and belief into the knockout phase.
Brazil topped Group C after recovering from an opening 1-1 draw with Morocco to register convincing 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao have looked increasingly balanced, combining defensive discipline with devastating pace in attack as Vinicius Junior emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers with four goals, while Matheus Cunha added three in the group stage.
Yet Ancelotti believes Brazil are still far from the finished article.
“We’re not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker,” the Italian said after the Scotland victory.
More importantly, with the tournament entering its decisive stage, he issued a clear challenge to his players.
“Now it’s a knockout competition. We need to show real grit.”
Brazil also carry extra motivation as Japan handed them a painful 3-2 defeat in Tokyo last October, surrendering a two-goal lead as the Samurai Blue celebrated their first-ever victory over the South American giants after 14 attempts.
That result came during Ancelotti’s early months in charge, when Brazil were still searching for stability following a turbulent qualifying campaign. Nine months later, the Italian believes his side have grown into genuine contenders.
Japan, however, arrive with little interest in Brazil’s redemption story.
The Hajime Moriyasu’s side negotiated a difficult Group F unbeaten, drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands before dismantling Tunisia 4-0 and finishing with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Sweden.
The campaign again showcased the organisation and collective discipline that have become Japan’s trademarks.
Japan have never progressed beyond the Round of 16 at a World Cup, but confidence within the squad continues to grow.
“We know they’re a strong team but if we do things right, we can definitely win,” goalkeeper Zion Suzuki said.
“I want to approach this game as if it’s the final.”
Former Japan international Takumi Minamino, sidelined through injury, believes the mentality that has fuelled many of the country’s biggest results can again make the difference.
“If we play with the underdog mentality, as we always have, I believe we have the ability to make something happen in these one-off games,” he said.
Moriyasu expects Brazil to arrive determined to erase memories of last year’s defeat.
“Perhaps because of that match, they will be motivated even more,” the Japan coach said.
His side will again look towards Ayase Ueda, Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan and Daizen Maeda for attacking inspiration, while the possible return of Takefusa Kubo would provide another significant boost.
The occasion also carries symbolic significance as Japan’s football rise owes much to Brazilian legend Zico, whose influence at Kashima Antlers helped shape the country’s professional era three decades ago before taking charge of the Samurai Blue from 2002 to 2006. Now, one of Asia’s football powerhouses has another opportunity to measure itself against the nation that inspired its journey.
