Five-time champions Brazil have a tricky test on their hands as the World Cup knockouts continue in Houston.
Japan were impressive in finishing second in Group F behind the Netherlands, while Brazil roll into the knockout rounds having topped Group C.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has looked fluid in attack, heavily relying on the explosive form of Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid superstar has already notched four goals in the tournament, making him the definitive spearhead of a front line that also features the dangerous Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.
“I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup,” said Ancelotti of the 25-year-old.
“For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header against Scotland, which is very rare for him.
“I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world.”
Japan’s path to the Round of 32 has been equally impressive.
In a dramatic international friendly late last year, Japan shocked the South American giants with a 3-2 comeback victory, turning around a 2-0 half-time deficit thanks to second-half strikes from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda.
History favours Brazil but don’t count out Japan for this one – even though they are yet to win a knockout match at the World Cup.
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Team news for Brazil v Japan
As ever, all eyes will be on Neymar. The veteran came on against Scotland after recovering from injury for his first Brazil appearance in nearly 1000 days.
He will be on the bench again, we expect, despite Barcelona’s Raphinha being a doubt with a hamstring injury.
Japan have doubts over defender Ko Itakura and Takefusa Kubo.
Predicted line-ups for Brazil v Japan
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Japan: Suzuki; Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda
Where to watch Brazil v Japan: TV and online streams
The match kicks off on Monday 29 June at 6pm UK time. It is broadcast on ITV and STV and can be streamed on ITVX.
Stats for Brazil v Japan
- Japan have won only once in their fourteen games against Brazil in all competitions (D2 L11). However, this victory came in their most recent clash last October, a friendly at Tokyo Stadium (3-2).
- Brazil have been eliminated in four of their last six World Cup knockout stage matches, more than in their previous 17 combined (three). They haven’t been knocked out in the first knockout stage at a World Cup tournament since 1990, when they lost 1-0 to Argentina in the last 16.
- This will be Japan’s fifth knockout stage match at the FIFA World Cup; they were eliminated from each of their first four. Three of their four knockout opponents ended as 3rd place in that tournament (Türkiye in 2002, Belgium in 2018, Croatia in 2022).
Prediction for Brazil v Japan
Brazil 2-1 Japan
Japan have impressed with their patient and precise football but the weight of history on Brazil’s shoulders will push them over the line.
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