Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti expects Neymar to play a bigger role against Japan on Monday after the forward stepped up his recovery from a calf injury before the World Cup round of 32 tie in Houston.
Neymar returned during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland and played a little over 15 minutes, his first action after injury disrupted his tournament. Ancelotti said the forward now looks ready to spend longer on the pitch as Brazil prepare for their first knockout match.
“In the last week his progress has been significant,” Ancelotti told reporters. “Unfortunately he could not play longer than 15 minutes before, but he is now doing well enough to play more.”
Brazil enter the match with recent evidence of Japan’s threat. Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo in October and Ancelotti said his side learned enough from that game to understand the challenge waiting for them.
“It was a good experience to know that Japan are one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “We have full respect for them and will prepare for the game like it is a final, because to us it is a final.”
Brazil have yet to play a midday kick-off during the tournament but Ancelotti brushed aside concerns around the schedule. He instead focused on concentration and organisation against a side known for quick movement and disciplined shape.
“We need a strong mind and strong hearts. We have to be ready for anything that could take place in a knockout match, such as extra-time or penalties.”
Brazil also head into the tie without clear assumptions about the tournament hierarchy. Ancelotti believes the competition has not produced a dominant side through the group stage.
“The team is ready, motivated and confident. But every match in this competition is very difficult.”
