Japan hope to beat Brazil without star player in World Cup knockouts

WEB DESK: Japan are aiming to rewrite football history as they prepare to face South American powerhouse Brazil in a high-stakes World Cup round-of-32 clash in Houston on Monday afternoon.

Despite going into the match as clear underdogs, Japan will take confidence from their 3-2 comeback win over Brazil in a friendly in Tokyo last October.

However, Japan have suffered a major setback after star forward Takefusa Kubo was ruled out of the match. Nicknamed the “Japanese Messi”, Kubo has not recovered from a knee meniscus injury he suffered in Japan’s opening game against the Netherlands.

Psychological warfare and tactical focus

Japan’s missing star does not appear to have affected Brazil’s preparations. Speaking before the last-16 match, 19-year-old Brazil forward Rayan said he was not familiar with Japan’s squad.

“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 have to work hard and do our best to beat them.”

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is, however, expected to be cautious of Japan striker Ayase Ueda. Ueda, who has scored 18 international goals, netted the winner in Japan’s victory over Brazil last October. He is also Japan’s joint top scorer at the tournament with Daichi Kamada, with two goals each.

Chasing history against the Seleção

Japan reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F with one win and two draws. Although the Samurai Blue have reached the World Cup knockout rounds for a third straight tournament, they have never gone beyond the last 16.

“Brazil are always one of the favourites. They have a very good chance of winning,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said on Sunday. “Many people see Japan as the underdogs, and we accept that. We respect Brazil, but like last year, not many believed we could win. We have another chance to make history.”

Brazil, meanwhile, go into the match in strong form after finishing top of Group C. After drawing with Morocco in their opening game, Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Haiti and Scotland 3-0. Forwards Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha have scored all seven of Brazil’s goals so far, with midfielder Bruno Guimarães providing key support.

Brazil have also been boosted by the return of Neymar. The veteran forward made a 15-minute appearance against Scotland after recovering from a calf injury and could play a bigger role against Japan.

“We’re not perfect and we can still improve, but I’m happy because the team has grown since the first match,” Ancelotti said. “Now it’s the knockout stage. We have to show determination.”