Japan’s reward for ending the
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It’s hard to know what to make of this Brazil team just yet — Haiti were Group C whipping boys, while Scotland’s calamitous errors gifted the South Americans victory. In their only true test against Morocco, Ancelotti’s men struggled for large periods and were somewhat fortunate to only be a goal down after the opening exchanges.
Morocco had 12 shots during the first half alone and it was only a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Jr that saved Brazil. The talismanic Real Madrid forward has finally stepped up for his country, with four goals and one assist already to his name in North America.
Against a well-drilled Japan, a team that rarely gifts you opportunities, Brazil cannot solely rely on the 25-year-old. They’ll need fellow forwards Matheus Cunha, who has scored A Selecao’s other three tournament goals, to be at his best, while Casemiro’s legs in midfield will be severely tested. Raphinha is not expected to have recovered from his hamstring injury, with Bournemouth wonderkid Rayan to again deputise.
Through to the knockout stages for the third successive tournament, Japan have again excelled early doors. This time around, they earned a deserved point against the Netherlands, thrashed Tunisia and then produced a disciplined display in a 1-1 draw with Sweden that guaranteed a runners-up spot.
However, they have traditionally struggled to carry this excellent form through to the knockout stages. Edged out 3-2 by Belgium in 2018 and defeated on penalties by Croatia four years later, they face another tough test.
Manager Hajime Moriyasu masterminded that maiden Samurai Blue victory over Brazil last October, his high-pressing back three perfectly attuned to a squad that prides itself on the collective. Ayase Ueda was the matchwinner that day, and the Feyenoord forward comes into the game in excellent form, with two goals already to his name.
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Brazil 3-2 Japan
FourFourTwo predicts Brazil gaining revenge for last year’s defeat, but they will be pushed hard by the Samurai Blue.
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