Japan will face Brazil in Houston on Monday without Takefusa Kubo as Hajime Moriyasu’s side attempt to reach the World Cup round of 16 for the first time after finishing second in Group F.
Japan arrive as outsiders but carry memories of a 3-2 friendly win over Brazil in Tokyo last October. Brazil led by two goals at half-time that day before Japan turned the match around. Kubo played a central role in that victory but a meniscus injury suffered during the group stage has ruled him out of the knockout tie.
Moriyasu acknowledged Brazil’s status but insisted his side would not step onto the pitch simply to defend.
“Brazil are always a leading team. They have a very good chance of winning,” Moriyasu said.
“Some people will say Japan are underdogs. We will play with that in mind. We will respect the opponents, but like last year we weren’t given a chance to win. This possibility to win, we can change history.”
Japan reached the knockouts through organisation and control. They beat Tunisia and collected draws against the Netherlands and Sweden. Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda lead their scoring charts with two goals each, while Ueda also struck the winner against Brazil in the friendly meeting.
Brazil won Group C after a draw with Morocco and victories against Haiti and Scotland. Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha carried much of the attacking burden with seven goals between them. Bruno Guimaraes created three assists.
Neymar also returned to action against Scotland after recovering from a calf problem. Carlo Ancelotti now has another attacking option available as the tournament moves into knockout football.
“We’re not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker,” Ancelotti said.
“But I’m pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first match. Now it’s a knockout competition. We need to show real grit.”
Brazil carry the weight of five World Cup titles. Japan carry the memory of a recent win and the chance to stretch their run a little further.
