FIFA Round 32: Brazil face Japan after Tokyo friendly upset

TAXAS: Brazil will meet Japan in the Round of 32 on Monday in Houston, with memories still fresh of their last encounter in Tokyo, where the Samurai Blue stunned the Selecao with a 3-2 comeback win after Brazil had led by two goals at halftime.

That result may not mean much for 19-year-old forward Rayan, who was not part of the squad that day. Speaking ahead of the knockout clash, he admitted he is not fully familiar with Japan’s lineup.

“I don’t know who their best player is,” Rayan said when asked by a Japanese reporter. “I’d have to watch the video to tell you. We know Japan are a very strong team and we’ll need to work hard, give everything, and try to beat them.”

Players like Takefusa Kubo, often called the “Japanese Messi,” and Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda stand out as key threats for Japan. Ueda, along with Daichi Kamada, has been among their top performers in the group stage, and it was Ueda who scored the decisive goal in that October upset over Brazil.

Japan, however, head into the match as clear underdogs. They finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands, recording a win over Tunisia and two draws. Despite lacking Brazil’s historical pedigree, Japan have now reached the knockout stage in three consecutive World Cups and four of the last five, though they are yet to go beyond the Round of 16.

“For the good of football in Japan, this would be a very good experience,” coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. “We believe we have a chance to win, and we hope to move one step further.”

Brazil topped Group C with a draw against Morocco and comfortable wins over Haiti and Scotland. Vinicius Junior, with four goals, and Matheus Cunha, with three, have led the scoring, while Bruno Guimaraes has contributed three assists.

The team has also adjusted to Neymar’s return from injury. He missed the start of the tournament due to a calf issue but came on as a late substitute in the win over Scotland.

Neymar has history against Japan, having scored his first international goal against them in 2013 and later netting four times in a 2014 friendly.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti remains focused on improvement as Brazil chase a record sixth World Cup title and their first since 2002.

“We’re not perfect. We can improve, especially in our passing speed,” Ancelotti said. “But I’m happy with the progress. Now it’s knockout football, and we need to show real fight.”